Colorado State’s football program is in the midst of a seismic shift after the midseason dismissal of head coach Jay Norvell, a move that has set off a chain reaction across the Mountain West and beyond.
The ripple through the staff
Norvell, who guided the Rams through a turbulent 2025 campaign, has resurfaced in the Big Ten as the running backs coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes, bringing his offensive expertise to a program eager for a fresh spark.
Tyson Summers, who stepped in as interim head coach after Norvell’s exit, has secured his place as the defensive coordinator for the 2026 season, promising continuity on that side of the ball.
Among the assistants, Matt Mumme, once the associate head coach and passing game coordinator, has faded from the collegiate scene, while Bill Best, the run‑game architect, has taken a similar role at Louisiana Tech.
Tommy Perry, the special teams coordinator, has moved to South Alabama, and Matty Ah You remains the nickelbacks coach, anchoring a secondary that saw several other changes.
James Finley, the wide receivers coach, is set to return to CSU for a Pac‑12 showdown on October 3, even as he continues his duties at Oregon State, illustrating the intertwined nature of the conference’s coaching carousel.
Brayden Herdic, the safeties coach, will stay on through 2026, providing stability at the back end of the defense.
Other departures include Luke Johnson, now a defensive quality‑control assistant with the Washington Commanders, and Nigel Madison, who has taken an inside linebackers post at UAB, while Jeremy Moses has shifted to an offensive coordinator role at Crosby High School in Texas.
The exits of Clint Sintim and the departure of John Jancek leave gaps in the linebackers and outside‑rusher groups, prompting the university to look toward internal promotions and fresh talent for the upcoming season.