Colorado State football news: Tyson Summers out as defensive coordinator after loss to Oregon State
Colorado State dismissed defensive coordinator Tyson Summers during Saturday night’s 56-26 loss to Oregon State. Head coach Jim Mora confirmed after the loss that Summers had been removed from defensive play-calling responsibilities and was no longer part of the program.
The decision came before halftime, apparently shortly after the Beavers extended their lead to 14-0 with 1:07 remaining in the opening quarter. Summers began the game directing the Rams’ defense but did not return to the sideline after the change. Co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon assumed responsibility for the defensive calls, while cornerbacks coach Trent Matthews was also seen signaling instructions to the defense.
Mora confirmed that McClendon will continue as Colorado State’s defensive play caller moving forward.
The switch failed to change the outcome against Oregon State. The Beavers added three touchdowns in the second quarter and entered halftime ahead 35-14 before finishing with 56 points.
The defense had been anything but rock-solid before the conference opener. Colorado State surrendered 59 points in its loss at UTSA and then gave up 41 points to BYU, allowing 100 points across those two games. The Cougars accumulated 481 yards, including 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns from LJ Martin.
Entering Week 5, the Rams were allowing 34.2 points per game and ranked 129th among 138 teams in scoring defense. Colorado State was also giving up 7.4 yards per play and 454 yards per game.
Saturday’s result left the Rams at 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play, while Oregon State improved to 3-2 and 1-0.
Summers, 46, had returned to Colorado State as defensive coordinator in 2025 after previously holding the position in 2015. He became interim head coach for the final five games of the 2025 season following Jay Norvell’s firing, and Mora retained him after taking over the program. Summers had also been Georgia Southern’s head coach from 2016-17.
Colorado State dismissed defensive coordinator Tyson Summers during Saturday night’s 56-26 loss to Oregon State. Head coach Jim Mora confirmed after the loss that Summers had been removed from defensive play-calling responsibilities and was no longer part of the program.