Colorado State’s 56-26 loss against Oregon State wasn’t without controversy. It just happened to take place on the sidelines as opposed to the field.
The Rams announced that they were sacking second-year defensive coordinator Tyson Summers. The transaction appears to have been at least partially influenced by Summer’s exit partway through the team’s defeat.
Here’s what we know about Summer’s shock decision to walk out of Canvas Stadium in Collins, Colorado.
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Colorado State defensive coordinator leaves team mid game vs. Oregon State
Summers stepped away from his program halfway through Colorado State’s loss. He disappeared into the locker room at halftime, never to return.
The circumstances of his departure were contentious, with some arguing that he was fired and others suggesting he quite on his team. Either way, Summer was replaced as defensive play-caller. After the game went final, Rams head coach Jim Mora Jr. confirmed that Summer was done as Colorado State defensive coordinator. He’ll be replaced by assistant head coach and defensive line coach Kenny McClendon, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
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Who is Tyson Summers?
Summers served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. He previously filled in that role at UCF, Colorado and Western Kentucky. He also served as head coach at Georgia State, compiling a 5-13 record in two seasons with the Eagles.
Summers was promoted to the title of interim head coach after Jay Norvell was fired. The Rams went 0-5 under his tutelage, limping to a 2-10 record on the year.
Mora retained Summers’ services despite landing the head coaching role. Colorado State’s defense enjoyed a decent start to the campaign, surrendering just 37 points combined in its opening two games. Things have tailed off markedly in the weeks since — the Rams conceded 100 points combined in losses to BYU and UTSA.
Another sour showing in the first half of Saturday’s game — the Beavers tallied 35 points in the first half — was enough to end Summers’ Colorado State career. Given some of his interactions with Mora in recent weeks, perhaps that conclusion isn’t entirely surprising.
If Tyson Summers let’s up more than 35 points this week he needs to go pic.twitter.com/d6QQC3R3mU
— Barstool Colorado State (@BarstoolCSU) September 28, 2026
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What did Jim Mora say about Tyson Summers quitting mid game
Mora took to social media to confirm that Summers was out as Rams defensive coordinator, effective immediately. He’ll be replaced by McClendon. The former assistant head coach and defensive line coach has ample experience alongside Mora, having served on Mora’s staff during his time at UConn.
“Tyson was relieved of his playcalling duties,” Mora wrote, according to Zenitz. “He left the field and is no longer with this football program.”
What is Colorado State’s record?
Colorado State is 2-3 after its defeat to Oregon State. The Rams sit second-bottom in the Mountain West after the result.
Mora’s side will face off against 1-3 San Diego State in its next match.
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