Jim Mora Explains Why Tyson Summers Is No Longer With Colorado State
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Jim Mora inherited a Colorado State program that needed stability when he took over ahead of the 2026 season. One of his first decisions was to retain defensive coordinator Tyson Summers from the previous coaching staff.
That partnership lasted only five games. A difficult opening month placed increasing pressure on the Rams before another defensive collapse forced Mora to make a major change during Saturday’s game against Oregon State.
Jim Mora Explains Tyson Summers’ Departure
Jim Mora removed Summers from his play-calling role during Colorado State’s 56-26 loss to Oregon State on Oct. 3. Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Kenny McClendon took over those responsibilities during the game.
Summers then left the sideline rather than remain with the team after the change.
“Tyson was relieved of his play calling duties, he made the decision on his own to leave the field, and he is no longer with this football program,” Mora said.
NEW: Colorado State HC Jim Mora explains why he dismissed DC Tyson Summers:
“Tyson was relieved of his play calling duties, he made the decision on his own to leave the field, and he is no longer with this football program.”
Says this wasn’t something he anticipated. pic.twitter.com/uw9FqdO7fJ
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) October 4, 2026
The move ended Summers’ second stint at Colorado State less than two years after he returned as defensive coordinator in January 2025. Mora retained him when he announced his first group of coordinators and position coaches on Jan. 1, 2026.
Summers entered the Oregon State game under pressure after consecutive difficult performances from the Colorado State defense. The Beavers then scored on their first two possessions, leading Mora to hand control of the unit to McClendon.
The coaching change did not immediately solve Colorado State’s problems, but it made Mora’s expectations clear. Leaving the field after losing his play-calling duties brought Summers’ time with the program to an immediate end.
Colorado State Defense Reaches Breaking Point
Oregon State finished with 727 total yards during the 30-point win. It was the second-highest total ever allowed by a Colorado State defense, while the defeat dropped the Rams to 2-3 with their third consecutive loss.
Colorado State had already allowed approximately 34.3 points and 454 yards per game through its first four contests. After the Oregon State loss, those averages increased to roughly 38.6 points and 508.6 yards through five games.
McClendon’s first defensive play call produced a sack and a forced fumble, but the Rams could not slow Oregon State over the remainder of the game. He is expected to remain Colorado State’s primary defensive play-caller following Summers’ departure.
Mora must now rebuild a defense that has struggled throughout the opening month while preparing the Rams for the rest of the season. McClendon’s promotion gives Colorado State an immediate replacement, but improving one of the nation’s lowest-ranked units will require more than a change in play-caller.
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