The Denver Broncos have hired Colorado Buffaloes defensive coordinator Robert Livingston as their new defensive passing-game coordinator, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Livingston, who replaces Jim Leonhard, will also serve as the team's primary defensive backs coach. Leonhard departed for the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator position earlier this month.

Livingston spent 12 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining Deion Sanders' staff at Colorado in 2024. His hiring represents a reunion with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who worked together when Joseph was Cincinnati's defensive backs coach. Colorado linebackers coach Chris Marve will replace Livingston as the Buffaloes' defensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

The move is part of Broncos coach Sean Payton's extensive offseason staff overhaul. Livingston joins other recent hires including Davis Webb as offensive coordinator and Ronald Curry as wide receivers coach. Payton emphasized that improving the team's takeaway numbers remains a priority after the Broncos finished tied for 26th in takeaways and minus-3 in turnover margin during their 14-3 season.