Colorado football is a special place for any player seeking early development, largely because the Buffaloes have assembled a staff comprised of NFL veterans who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
At the center of it all is Deion Sanders. He’s set to make $10 million in 2025 under his new five-year, $54 million extension signed in March.
The deal keeps him in Boulder through 2029, with his salary locked at $10 million for 2025 and 2026. Subsequently, it’ll climb to $11 million in 2027 and 2028, and top out at $12 million in 2029.
That figure already makes Sanders the fifth-highest-paid coach in college football. On the flip side, it highlights the cost of maintaining a staff like his.
To surround Sanders with names such as Marshall Faulk, Warren Sapp, and other former pros, Colorado has had to open its checkbook even wider.
Deion Sanders’ Assistant Coaches 2025 Salary
From seasoned coordinators to first-time assistants, here’s what each coach is set to earn in 2025:
| Name | Position | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Shurmur | Offensive Coordinator | $850,000 |
| Robert Livingston | Defensive Coordinator | $995,000 |
| Brett Bartolone | TE Coach | $400,000 |
| Kevin Mathis | CB Coach | $425,000 |
| Gunnar White | OL Coach | $275,000 |
| Andre’ Hart | LB Coach | $425,000 |
| Warren Sapp | Defensive Pass Rush Coordinator | $150,000 |
| Jason Phillips | WR Coach | $340,000 |
| Marshall Faulk | RB Coach | $400,000 |
| Byron Leftwich | Volunteer Coach | – |
| George Hegamin | Asst. OL Coach | $250,000 |
| Andre Gurode | Asst. OL Coach | $250,000 |
| Domata Peko | Asst. DL Coach | $300,000 |
Pat Shurmur
Colorado brought in longtime NFL coach Pat Shurmur on a two-year deal worth $1.65 million. For the 2025 season, OC Shurmur will make $850,000, a strong figure though slightly below what Sean Lewis would have earned had he remained at CU. Lewis was set for $900,000 in 2024 before leaving for the San Diego State head coaching job.
Robert Livingston
DC Robert Livingston signed one of the most lucrative contracts on the staff, a two-year deal worth $1.795 million. In 2025, he is set to rake in $995,000, which would mark the highest single-season salary ever paid to a Colorado assistant coach.
Brett Bartolone
Brett Bartolone’s role shifted when he became the Buffaloes’ tight ends coach. His deal was amended to give him a raise to $400,000 in 2024, which remains the same in 2025.
Kevin Mathis
Defensive backs assistant Kevin Mathis earned a modest increase heading into 2025. Alongside fellow assistants, his pay received a $25,000 bump, bringing his salary up to $425,000.
Gunnar White
As per BuffZone, offensive line coach Gunnar White is slated to earn $275,000 in 2025, according to reports. His role focuses on run-game coordination and line development, making him one of the lower-paid assistants on Sanders’ staff.
Andre’ Hart
Linebackers coach Andre’ Hart also received the $25,000 raise that applied to Mathis and Harrell. His updated salary sits at $425,000 for 2025.
Warren Sapp
Hall of Famer Warren Sapp joined Colorado’s staff in 2024 at $150,000 annually, paid out in $12,500 monthly installments plus a $15,000 moving allowance. As of February 2025, reports suggested Sapp was in line for a promotion under Sanders, though salary details on the updated contract have not been confirmed.
Jason Phillips
New receivers coach Jason Phillips signed a two-year deal mirroring Bartolone’s earlier agreement. Phillips, as per the BuffZone, will earn $340,000 in 2025, stabilizing CU’s receiving corps.
Marshall Faulk
Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is beginning his college coaching career at Colorado with a $400,000 compensation package in 2025.
His appointment includes $300,000 in base salary and an additional $100,000 for community outreach to help promote the university’s mission. That outreach component is set to grow to $125,000 in his second year, further boosting his overall pay.
Byron Leftwich
Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich joined Sanders’ staff in a unique way: he is working as a volunteer in 2025, drawing no salary.
George Hegamin
Assistant offensive line coach George Hegamin is set to earn $250,000 in 2025. The former NFL lineman adds veteran experience to Colorado’s staff, working closely with Gunnar White to develop trench play and improve protection schemes.
Andre Gurode
Serving as assistant offensive line coach alongside Hegamin, Andre Gurode will also take home $250,000 in 2025. The ex-Pro Bowl center provides valuable insight into blocking techniques and line calls, bringing a player’s perspective to the Buffaloes’ unit.
Domata Peko
On the defensive side, longtime NFL nose tackle Domata Peko signed on as Colorado’s defensive line coach. His 2025 salary is $300,000, reflecting the program’s investment in developing interior defensive talent with guidance from a proven professional.
Colorado has built one of the most star-studded and NFL-heavy coaching staffs in college football, but it comes with a hefty price tag. From Deion Sanders’ $10 million salary down to assistants like Warren Sapp, Byron Leftwich, and Domata Peko, the Buffaloes are paying big to back up their bold vision.