Tyson Summers will be back with the Colorado State football program for the 2026 season.

New CSU coach Jim Mora is expected retain Summers as defensive coordinator. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports first reported the news and multiple sources have confirmed the move to the Coloradoan.

Summers was hired by previous coach Jay Norvell to take over the defense ahead of the 2025 season. Summers then moved into the interim head coach role in October when Norvell was fired.

CSU hired Mora from UConn but he’s keeping Summers to lead the defense.

The Rams finished 2025 second-to-last in the Mountain West in scoring defense (30.8 points per game allowed) and last in total defense (426 yards per game allowed). CSU was last in the league in rushing defense (205 yards per game) and seventh in passing defense (221 yards per game).

The high-pressure defensive style yielded 16 turnovers forced, which was tied for fourth-most in the league.

CSU dealt with a rash of defensive injuries, as well as an offense that struggled to move the ball. Four of the 11 Week 1 defensive starters missed most of the season injured and multiple others missed several games.

Summers also previously served as CSU’s defensive coordinator in 2015 under Mike Bobo. He came back to CSU after three seasons as Western Kentucky’s defensive coordinator, where the Hilltoppers were one of the top teams in forcing turnovers.

Western Kentucky ranked ninth nationally in pass defense in 2024. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Hilltoppers led the nation in defensive touchdowns, scoring nine times.

WKU ranked ninth nationally in pass defense in 2024. Summers has previously been a candidate for the Broyles award, presented annually to the top assistant in the nation.

CSU has yet to officially announce any additions to Mora’s staff.

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Jim Mora to retain Tyson Summers as CSU football defensive coordinator