Source: Colorado DC returns to NFL as part of Broncos staff - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton didn't have to look far for one of the newest additions to the team's coaching staff.

Payton has hired Colorado Buffaloes defensive coordinator Robert Livingston as the Broncos' defensive passing-game coordinator, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday. Livingston, who replaces Jim Leonhard, will also be the team's primary defensive backs coach.

Leonhard was hired earlier this month as the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator.

Livingston was a Cincinnati Bengals scout and then a special teams assistant when current Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was the Bengals' defensive backs coach in 2014 and 2015.

In all, Livingston was with the Bengals for 12 seasons before he was hired by Deion Sanders in 2024 to direct Colorado's defense. A source told ESPN's Pete Thamel that Colorado linebackers coach Chris Marve will replace Livingston as Sanders' defensive coordinator.

Leonhard was one of two Broncos assistant coaches who joined Joe Brady's staff with the Bills as Pete Carmichael was hired to be the Bills' offensive coordinator as well. Payton had also promoted Davis Webb to offensive coordinator earlier this offseason to replace Joe Lombardi, and Ronald Curry was hired as the wide receivers coach to replace Keary Colbert.

Doug Belk has been hired as the Broncos' defensive backs assistant to replace Addison Lynch.

Lombardi, Colbert and Lynch were fired two days after the Broncos' 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Payton said at the combine Tuesday he was nearly finished finalizing the hirings for his staff.

«We're close to filling out our staff… I would say within the week,'' Payton said in Indianapolis.

Colorado's defense