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Colorado State football assistant Kenny McClendon has been sleeping at the facility for two weeks.
The Colorado State football program experienced an unexpected staff shakeup during a loss to Oregon State. “During,” being the operative word.
That coach’s replacement is doing everything in his power to keep the job. He is living at the football facility – literally!
Head coach Jim Mora Jr. opened up on the work being put in by new defensive play caller Kenny McClendon. He’s made accommodations to make McClendon’s stay in the office a bit more comfortable.
Colorado State fired its DC in the middle of a football game.
The Rams lost by 30 points to Oregon State in early October. The defense gave up 35 points in the first half. The Beavers did not punt the entire game.
Mora went bonkers after a first half blunder. Lips readers deciphered the message as being, “How the f— does that happen?? It is the second week in a row!”
Any idea what Jim Mora is saying here? I can’t quite make it out. https://t.co/hFZwJAPp9N
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 3, 2026
Tyson Summer was the co-defensive coordinator and primary play caller at the start of that contest. He did not finish the game on the sidelines. McClendon was seen holding a play sheet after halftime. Summer was nowhere to be found.
“Tyson was relieved of his play-calling duties,” Mora said after the game. “He left the field and is no longer with this program.”
It appears Summer left on his own accord, though details of the absence are a bit fuzzy. He might’ve been fired. He might’ve quit. Regardless, he is no longer on staff.
Kenny McClendon has taken over.
Colorado State didn’t look much better last week in a loss to Texas State. The Rams allowed 66 points. The Bobcats set a school record with 503 rushing yards. McClendon is working on improvement.
He has not left the football facility since being promoted. He is living and sleeping at the office.
Two weeks into his role as Colorado State’s DC, Kenny McClendon has turned the linebackers coach’s office into his bedroom. https://t.co/Q45N9KjQcY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 20, 2026
The new defensive play caller has not been home in two weeks. Mora turned linebackers assistant Jordan Frost-Dixon’s office into a bedroom to make McClendon’s stay more comfortable. That’s dedication!
McClendon spent time on the UCONN staff with Mora prior to his move to Colorado State. Now, he’s been tasked with leading the defense in his debut season with the Rams.
He has taken those duties seriously. He’s prioritized his role above all else. McClendon and the Rams will have their next chance to right the ship this Saturday against San Diego State.
The Aztecs’ offense ranks 102nd nationally in scoring. Colorado State’s defense ranks dead last in points allowed. Something will have to give. McClendon hopes to be on the winning side.