Chris Banjo enters his second season as assistant special teams coach for the Denver Broncos in 2024. He was hired by the club on Feb. 25, 2023.
In Banjo's first year with the team in 2023, Denver's special teams unit ranked near the top in multiple categories, including punt return average (16.3, 1st), punt return average against (6.3, 2nd), kickoff return average (24.9, 8th) and kickoff return average against (21.5, 9th). Banjo also helped oversee the development of kick returner Marvin Mims Jr., who was voted an Associated Press second-team All-Pro and a 2024 Pro Bowler after averaging 16.4 yards per punt return and 26.5 yards per kickoff return.
Banjo joined the Broncos after playing 10 NFL seasons from 2013-22. He spent time with Green Bay (2013-16), New Orleans (2016-18) and Arizona (2019-22).
Originally signed by Jacksonville as a college free agent in 2013, Banjo appeared in 131 regular-season games (7 starts), totaling 85 tackles (59 solo), three interceptions, eight passes defensed, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 58 special teams tackles (49 solo). He also saw action in 10 postseason contests.
In his final season as a player in 2022, Banjo appeared in 13 games (1 start) for the Cardinals. He collected six tackles (3 solo), one fumble recovery and was a key contributor on special teams.
Banjo enjoyed his most productive season as a pro in 2020 when he played 13 games (4 starts) and recorded a career-high 47 tackles (33 solo). He logged a combined 610 snaps on defense and special teams that season.
Playing for the Saints under Head Coach Sean Payton for two seasons (2017-18), Banjo was a part of a team that won consecutive NFC South Division titles and advanced to the NFC Championship Game in 2018. He was a key contributor on the Saints' special teams, notching 13 tackles (12 solo) in the two-year span.
Banjo made his NFL debut in 2013 with the Packers after competing with the team in training camp. While with Green Bay from 2013-16, Banjo helped their special teams unit rank ninth in punt return yards against (7.8).
A graduate of Southern Methodist, Banjo appeared in 51 games (47 starts) for the Mustangs (2008-11), totaling 321 tackles (195 solo), four interceptions (74 yds.), 17 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. While at SMU, Banjo earned second-team All-Conference USA honors as a junior in 2010 and was an honorable mention All-Conference USA following his senior season.
A native of Houston, Texas, Banjo and his wife, Jasmine, have two sons, Christopher Jr. and Cairo, and one daughter, Céline.
Assistant Special Teams 2023-24
