UPDATE: Colorado State University has made a dramatic shift in leadership as head football coach Jay Norvell was fired following a disappointing 31-19 loss to Hawaii on October 28, 2023. The Rams now sit at a troubling 2-5 for the season and 1-2 in the Mountain West Conference.
During a press conference held earlier today, CSU director of athletics John Weber emphasized a need for change, stating, “Today is about moving forward,” referencing the urgency for a new direction as the Rams prepare to transition into the Pac-12. “Ultimately, progress was challenged and progress stalled at a very critical time for us,” he added, explaining the decision to part ways with Norvell after he amassed an 18-26 record over three and a half years.
In a swift move, Tyson Summers, the Rams’ defensive coordinator, has been named interim head coach. He will lead the team through the remainder of the season, starting with the crucial Border War game against Wyoming on November 4. Weber noted that this change allows the team to refocus and strategically prepare during their upcoming bye week before hosting UNLV on November 8.
Summers, who joined the CSU staff last December, expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “It’s incredible,” he stated. “I’m going to attack it like I attack everything.” His experience includes a previous stint as head coach at Georgia Southern and defensive coaching roles at Georgia and Colorado.
The Rams have faced challenges this season, struggling to find their identity, particularly evident in their recent loss to Hawaii. Weber remarked, “We had starts and stops and we struggled against Hawaii to find our identity.” Summers will retain his role as defensive play caller while handing over offensive responsibilities to tight ends coach Grant Chestnut.
As CSU looks ahead, Weber confirmed that a national search for a permanent head coach will commence immediately, partnering with a premier search firm to identify the right candidate to lead the program into a new era.
This urgent shift in leadership comes as CSU seeks to revitalize its football program and reconnect with its fan base. With five games remaining in the season, the Rams hope to turn their fortunes around under Summers’ interim leadership.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
