Colorado State University terminated defensive coordinator Tyson Summers following a 56-26 loss to Oregon State on Saturday. Head coach Jim Mora confirmed the firing after the game, which left the Rams with a record of 2-3 after their Pac-12 opener. The decision to fire Summers occurred in the first quarter, which is uncommon in college football. He was present on the sidelines at the start of the game but was no longer visible by the end of the first quarter as Oregon State took a 14-0 lead.
Mora had previously removed Summers' play-calling responsibilities before the firing. The Rams' defense had been struggling, allowing over 40 points in consecutive games. Entering the game against Oregon State, Colorado State was giving up an average of 34.3 points and 454 yards per game, having surrendered a total of 100 points in their last two outings.
Mora expressed growing frustration with the defense, notably confronting Summers during a 59-45 loss to UTSA in Week 4. He mentioned the need to simplify the defense and address the explosive plays that had been an issue early in the season.
Following Summers' departure, co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon took over play-calling duties, while cornerbacks coach Trent Matthews managed signaling calls to the defense. Colorado State did not comment on Summers' status during the game, stating to The Fort Collins Coloradoan that there were "no comments about football coaching personnel at this time."
Mora indicated that McClendon will continue as the defensive play caller moving forward. However, under McClendon’s guidance, the Rams allowed Oregon State to score 42 points in the game, with the Beavers accumulating a season-high 652 total yards of offense. The Rams will have a week to prepare as they face the Texas State Bobcats (2-3) next week.