Colorado State fires defensive coordinator Tyson Summers during 56-26 loss to Oregon State

Colorado State University terminated defensive coordinator Tyson Summers during the first quarter of a 56-26 loss to Oregon State at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins on April 10, 2026.

The abrupt decision followed head coach Jim Mora’s removal of Summers’ play‑calling duties before the quarter ended, after which Summers walked away from the sidelines. Mora later confirmed the firing, saying Summers “made the decision on his own to leave the field.”

Fans first learned of the dismissal when Summers disappeared from view midway through the contest, prompting speculation that the coach had been removed. Co‑defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon immediately assumed play‑calling responsibilities, a role the Rams hope will stabilize a defense that had surrendered more than 40 points in each of its two prior games.

Colorado State’s defense entered Saturday’s matchup allowing an average of 34.3 points and 454 yards per game, and had given up 100 points over the previous two contests. Oregon State capitalized, racking up 652 total yards, including a 14‑0 lead before the Rams’ first‑quarter crisis.

Summers was not a newcomer to the Rams’ staff; he served as interim head coach at the end of the 2025 season after the firing of former head coach Jay Norvell. Despite being retained by Mora for the 2026 campaign, the strained relationship culminated in the unprecedented mid‑game termination.

With Summers gone, Mora indicated that McClendon will handle defensive play‑calling moving forward. The Rams will travel to face the Texas State Bobcats next week, giving the new coordinator a full week to reset the unit ahead of the contest.

The firing has ignited debate within the program and among supporters about the stability of Colorado State’s coaching staff and the impact on player morale as the team seeks to recover from a rocky start to the season.