College Football Program Abruptly Cut Ties With Coach Mid-Game Amid 30-Point Loss

Things got heated for one struggling college football program. Find out more about a Pac-12 defensive coordinator who was fired in the middle of a 30-point loss.

Oct 25, 2025; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Colorado State Rams interim head coach Tyson Summers during the second half against the Wyoming Cowboys at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One college football program is searching for answers after its third straight loss and tempers flared as the team's defensive coordinator was fired during the game. Colorado State head coach Jim Mora revealed that defensive coordinator Tyson Summers was stripped of his play-calling duties during the team's 56-26 loss to Oregon State.

Summers did not take kindly to the news and opted to walk off the field. Mora announced that Summers is no longer with the program following the dust-up.

There are occasions where a coordinator is fired during the season. A firing in the middle of a game is quite rare, even during a blowout loss.

"Tyson was relieved of his play-calling duties," Mora told reporters on Saturday. "He left the field, and he's no longer with this football program.

"... That is a permanent (move)."

Mora noted that co-defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon will take over as the unit's new play-caller

Prior to Firing, Colorado State Gave Up a Combined 100 Points in Previous 2 Losses

Oct 3, 2026; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado State Rams head coach Jim Mora coaches from the sidelines in the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Rydland-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Prior to the loss against Oregon State, Colorado State gave up a combined 100 points in the team's previous two contests. This includes a 59-45 loss to UTSA in Week 4.

After beginning the season 2-0, Colorado State has dropped three straight games. This marks Colorado State's first season in the Pac-12.

Source: Tyson Summers has been dismissed as the defensive coordinator at Colorado State. He was replaced as play caller during CSU’s loss to Oregon State today. pic.twitter.com/yiwzFDJ50i

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 4, 2026

Mora was pressed for more details about the decision to cut ties with Summers.

"That wasn't anything that I would ever consider," Mora added. "I just relieved him of his duties as a play-caller.

"He made the decision on his own to leave the field, and he is no longer with the program."

Tyson Summers Served as Colorado State's Interim Coach in 2025 Prior to CSU Hiring Jim Mora

Colorado State HC Jim Mora addresses DC Tyson Summers being dismissed during their 30-point loss to Oregon State pic.twitter.com/xrQVugFRaQ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 4, 2026

For added context on this wild story, Summers served as Colorado State's interim coach after the team's previous head coach Jay Norvell was fired during the 2025 season. Colorado State ultimately named Mora as the program's new head coach on Nov. 26, 2025.

"Can't remember a mid-game firing," On3's Andy Staples responded to the surprising news of Summers' firing.

The good news for Colorado State is the Rams have a bit of time to implement the coaching staff shake-up. Colorado State has a bye week before facing Texas State on Thurs., Oct. 15.

Jim Mora Left a 9-Win UConn Program to Become Colorado State Head Coach

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Jim Mora before the start of the game against the UAB Blazers at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mora caught some by surprise after leaving a 9-win UConn program to join Colorado State. The Rams head coach explained why he made the decision to leave UConn.

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 pic.twitter.com/j60glZh8kz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 4, 2026

"It was their vision," Mora said of the decision back in Dec. 2025, per Coloradoan. "It was the alignment that I felt throughout this program, throughout this university. It was the support that I came to realize through our discussions that we would have here as we built this program in the way we felt was best," Mora said.

"It was an opportunity for our family to come to an amazing community, a part of the country that I’m familiar with," Mora added.

"I like challenges and I like the thought of jumping in head first and trying to build something that can be lasting and special."