Robert Livingston's Impact on CU Football
(9-4, 7-2 Big 12) claimed its highest number of victories since 2016 and made the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl. And while Heisman Trophy winnerTravis Hunter (Psych’26) and potential No. 1 2025 NFL Draft pickShedeur Sanders (Soc’25) received much public acclaim this season, first-year defensive coordinator (DC) Robert Livingston singularly shaped the Buffs’ turnaround.
CU’s defense struggled mightily in 2023, giving up 34.8 points and 453.3 yards per game. With then-DC Charles Kelly out, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had to find a new coordinator to call the defense.
Sanders hired Livingston, a defensive assistant coach with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and former safety at William & Mary, on Feb. 9, 2024. Instead of fitting the defense to his system, Livingston assessed the Buffs’ unique strengths.
“Coach Livingston built the defense of us. He listens to us. It makes it easier,” said leading tacklerCam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Comm’25). “We’re not really thinking out there, we’re just playing.”
Livingston worked throughout 2024 to connect with his squad. He even ran sprints with the defense after a Hunter interception against Colorado State led to an excessive celebration penalty.
“It’s not me versus you. It’s us. That’s the big thing,” Livingston said. “I want everyone to know they have skin in the game.”
On-field results were dramatic. The Buffs shut out Oklahoma State, frequently played dominant second-half defense and sealed wins over Baylor and Texas Tech with turnovers. In 2024, CU allowed 351.9 yards per game — over 100 yards fewer per game than in 2023.
Even more impressive were the big plays. The Buffs’ defense created 27 turnovers, ranking 7th nationally, and tallied 39 sacks and three defensive touchdowns, both 11th in the nation.
“We’ll strive to be aggressive. I want people to feel us when we play,” said Livingston.
Photo courtesy CU Athletics