In a surprising move, Colorado State parted ways with defensive coordinator Tyson Summers following a significant 56-26 defeat to Oregon State on Saturday.
Head coach Jim Mora confirmed the firing shortly after the game, with the Rams now at a 2-3 record after their loss in the Pac-12 opener.
What made this dismissal even more striking was its timing—occurring during the first quarter, which is quite rare in college football. Summers was present on the sidelines at the game’s start but seemingly vanished as the Beavers quickly took a 14-0 lead.
Mora had already stripped Summers of his play-calling responsibilities prior to the firing, as the team’s defense had been struggling.
After beginning the season with two wins, Colorado State faced consecutive losses, conceding over 40 points in each game.
By the time they took the field against Oregon State, the Rams were allowing an average of 34.3 points and 454 yards per game, having surrendered a staggering 100 points over their last two outings.
Mora’s dissatisfaction with the defense appeared to escalate, particularly after a 59-45 defeat to UTSA in Week 4, where cameras captured an intense moment of him confronting Summers on the sidelines.
He later expressed the need to simplify the defensive strategies and to cut down on the big plays that had been plaguing the team since the beginning of the season.
Now, co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon has taken over as the play-calling leader, with cornerbacks coach Trent Matthews assisting in signaling plays to the defense.
During the game, Colorado State refrained from commenting on Summers’ situation, telling local media there would be “no comments about football coaching personnel at this time.”
Mora has indicated that McClendon will essentially lead the defense going forward.
However, McClendon’s first test was less than ideal, as the Rams allowed the Beavers to score 42 points, with Oregon State racking up an impressive 652 total yards, their highest of the season.
Looking ahead, McClendon will have a week to regroup the defense before the Rams face the Texas State Bobcats (2-3) on the road next week.
