ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Keary Colbert's second stint with the Denver Broncos figures to be more productive than the first.
The former USC and Florida receivers coach is in line to become the Broncos' new receivers coach, a source confirmed to 9NEWS.
Once his separation from the University of Florida is official, Colbert is expected to replace Zach Azzanni, the Broncos' receivers' coach the previous 5 years who left to take the same role with the New York Jets.
Colbert, 40, was USC's all-time leading receiver when he left after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2002-'03. He was the Carolina Panthers' second-round draft pick in 2004 and he had 47 catches for 754 yards and 5 touchdowns as a rookie.
That turned out to be his career-best season. A free agent leading into the 2008 season, Colbert signed a three-year, $7.2 million deal with the Broncos that included a $2.5 million signing bonus.
But Colbert was beat out by rookie Eddie Royal -- who was expected to be used primarily as a returner his first season -- and after two games with zero catches was traded to Seattle for a 5th-round draft pick.
Colbert started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at USC in 2010, caught on briefly with the Kansas City Chiefs as a receiver/special teamer in 2011, then returned to working his way up the college coaching ladder. He spent the previous five seasons as a receivers coach for USC (2018-21) and Florida (2022).
Colbert will join Zack Strief (offensive line), Declan Doyle (tight ends), Logan Kilgore (offensive quality control) and Zack Grossi (offensive quality control) on head coach Sean Payton's offensive staff.
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