Livingston's Defense Focusing On Resilience

BOULDER--If there is one word to describe Rob Livingston's philosophy as a coach, it's resilience.

It's a word that is often discussed when it comes to sports and athletes, but for Livingston, it's more than just a word. It is a belief that he emphasizes every day as a coach at Colorado – one that he hopes will inspire his players to never give up.

Ignoring the scoreboard

A defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Livingston knows all too well the challenges that come with coaching a sport where the scoreboard dictates the outcome. But he refuses to let the scoreboard dictate his mindset.

"The results are what they are, but the effort has been there," Livingston said. "It was the third time we've been in that same situation – 21-21 versus TCU with five minutes to go in the third quarter, right? Obviously, BYU was the same situation, and to finish this time against Iowa State, that's something. It's very gratifying. You've got to finish. I think we've probably left six or seven sacks out there that everybody can say, 'well, you're a step away from the quarterback.' If we do our job, if we hold that window one second longer, then that game's different. We miss a tackle on that third-and-11, they get the first down, and we lose the game. So, really, that's what it is, and our superpower has got to be we've got to turn the ball over."

While Colorado has had its ups and downs this season, Livingston is not focused on the past – only the future. What's more, he points the finger at himself before anyone else.

"I've said it before, when things go great, I want the players and the staff to get all the credit," he said. "The players obviously bring everything to life, and the staff helps come up with a game plan. They're huge parts of it every week. When things go wrong, it's my fault. That's my cross to bear, and that's fine. That's leadership. That's what you do in this profession. I have to do a better job. We've got to eliminate some things that consistently happen. Yes, we've got to look at the players that are in there, but I have to paint a better picture. I have to do a better job. I'm excited to show you guys what we can be these last half of the season, but it starts with myself."

Player development

While Livingston is quick to hold himself accountable, he is equally quick to praise his players for their hard work and dedication. He understands that the success of the team is not just a reflection of his coaching, but also the effort and commitment of the players. And he is especially excited about the development of some of the younger players on the team.

"I was excited to see that again," Livingston said. "I think it was the first third down last week – I look up, and we've got Tristan Marois playing right end, and Tristan's a guy that has come here and done a great job. And sure enough, he's confident enough to throw the outside spin, and he gets the pressure. And he gets in on another third down and gets another pressure because it starts out there at practice, and those guys do a great job. Coach [George] Helow's as good as it gets in developing those guys, and he made the most of his moment, and that's all you can ask for in life is an opportunity. I'm excited to see whether you're young, you're old, how you got here, I don't care. It's your job to get your job done."

Livingston believes in the potential of his players and is eager to see them continue to grow and thrive. He knows that the future of Colorado football is bright with young, talented individuals like true freshmen London Merritt and Alexander McPherson.

"The plays they make on the backside, as they continue to grow and see some things – they're just going to continue to thrive," Livingston said. "You can build around those guys. They're the right kind of people. You look in their eyes, there's something behind their eyeballs. The game means a lot to them, and we're lucky to have them."

High standards

Livingston's coaching philosophy is not just about resilience and player development. It is also about maintaining a high standard of effort and performance. He believes that every player who wears a Colorado Buffaloes uniform has a responsibility to uphold that standard, regardless of their status or experience.

"There's a standard here – if you have a Buffalo on the side of your helmet, the fans, everybody, they don't know if you're a backup or if you're a walk-on or how you got here," Livingston said. "By God, you're one of the Colorado Buffaloes, so it's your job to go play."

Livingston's passion for coaching and his dedication to his players are evident in his words and actions. He is committed to instilling a sense of resilience, accountability, and pride in his team. And as the season progresses, Livingston remains optimistic about the future of Colorado football. He knows that there will be challenges and setbacks, but he is confident in his players' ability to overcome them.

"It's a tough stretch," Livingston said. "But I think Iowa State had the same thing. We talk about it in the group – whether you're young, you're old, how you got here, I don't care. It's your job to get your job done."

Players Mentioned

Tristan Marois

Alexander McPherson

London Merritt

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