What Led Colorado State to Fire Tyson Summers Before Its Loss Was Even Over

Colorado State made a major defensive change during its game against Oregon State as the team took defensive play-calling duties away from Tyson Summers.

Summers was fired from his duties during the game as Oregon State went on to beat Colorado State 56-26. Kenny McClendon then took over the defensive play-calling before the game ended.

Colorado State replaces DC during Oregon State game

Colorado State hosted Oregon State at Canvas Stadium on October 3. The defense struggled from the opening minutes, and Oregon State took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. During the game, Colorado State head coach Jim Mora took defensive play-calling duties away from defensive coordinator Tyson Summers.

Colorado State eventually lost to Oregon State. Co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon remained in charge of the defense, while cornerbacks coach Trent Matthews handled the defensive signals.

Jim Mora later explained the decision, saying, “Tyson was relieved of his play-calling duties. He left the field, and he’s no longer with this football program.”

Bleacher Report previously shared the news and wrote in its caption: “Colorado State DC Tyson Summers was dismissed during CSU’s 30-point loss to Oregon State, per @PeteThamel

He was replaced as defensive coordinator before the end of the game.”

The decision came during Mora’s first season as Colorado State’s head coach. Co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon remained in charge of the defense, while cornerbacks coach Trent Matthews handled the defensive signals.

Colorado State had already been dealing with defensive problems before facing Oregon State. The team allowed 41 points against BYU and 59 against UTSA in its previous two games, giving up 100 points across those losses. The defense was also near the bottom of the national scoring defense rankings.

Those problems continued against Oregon State. The Beavers led 35-14 at halftime and finished with 727 total yards, including 413 passing yards and 291 rushing yards.

Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson completed 30 of 34 passes for 413 yards and five touchdowns. Colorado State eventually lost 56-26, making it the team’s third straight loss after opening the season with two wins.

Colorado State prepares for Texas State

Kenny McClendon remained in charge of the defense for the rest of the contest. He had been serving as Colorado State’s co-defensive coordinator and previously worked with Mora at UConn before joining his staff at Colorado State.

His responsibilities with Colorado State included assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. The defense recorded a sack and forced a fumble on McClendon’s first series as play-caller.

Summers returned to Colorado State as defensive coordinator. After Jay Norvell’s departure, he served as the team’s interim head coach for the final five games of that season. Mora kept him on the staff after taking over the program.

The midgame decision followed another difficult defensive performance. The team is now 2-3 and will move forward with McClendon handling the defensive coordinator duties after the Oregon State loss.

Colorado State will next face Texas State on October 15 in San Marcos. The team will also monitor several injuries heading into the matchup. Quarterback Hauss Hejny has been dealing with a hamstring issue, while wide receiver Troy Foster and tight end Grant Houser were listed out before the Oregon State game.

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