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Breaking: CSU fires head football coach Jay Norvell after uneven start to 2025

Michael Hovey and Sophie Webb

October 19, 2025

Collegian | Cait Mckinzie

Colorado State University head football coach Jay Norvell goes over team strategies on the sidelines of CSU’s home opener against the University of Northern Colorado Sept. 6. CSU won 21-17.

Editor’s note: This story is still ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information is released.

Colorado State fired head football coach Jay Norvell Sunday, Oct. 19.

Norvell’s coaching record at CSU was 18-26. The decision comes with the Rams sitting at 2-5 overall and 1-2 in Mountain West play after Saturday’s 31-19 home loss to Hawaii.

According to a statement from CSU Athletics, defensive coordinator Tyson Summers will step in as interim head coach while the team searches “nationwide” for a replacement.

“Tyson has a strong track record as a successful coach, and we’re fortunate to have him here in Fort Collins,” Director of Athletics John Weber said. “He has been integral to building a culture of accountability within the football locker room, and I am confident in his ability to lead the program for the remainder of the season.”

The change comes just before CSU transitions to the Pac-12 in 2026.

“We need to position our program to compete at the highest level,” Weber said. “While we’ve seen progress, a change in leadership is necessary to achieve the sustained excellence our program requires. We are continuing to invest and work hard to ensure that the football program and the next head coach have the resources needed to capitalize on this historic opportunity.”

Per Kevin Lytle of the Coloradoan, “Norvell’s salary for 2025 season is $1.9 million. He is owed a $1.5 million buyout from CSU.”

Norvell was hired in December 2021 after leading Nevada to four bowl appearances in five years. In 2024, he helped the Rams reach their first bowl game since 2017.

His time in charge was defined by turnover and change. Norvell brought much of his Wolf Pack staff and roster with him through the transfer portal, reshaping the team quickly. He was expected to spark a turnaround in Fort Collins, but finishes with a record that fell short of expectations.

This season has highlighted those struggles.

Norvell did what he could and handed playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Matt Mumme, benched longtime starter Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi in favor of Jackson Brousseau and tried to stabilize a defense that has been hit by injuries.

The Rams have had stand out individual performances during Norvell’s tenure, including sending multiple players to the NFL and, this season, linebacker Owen Long who was named to the Associated Press midseason All-America second team but haven’t been able to sustain consistency.

“Jay is a leader of the highest character who cares deeply about developing his players as athletes, students, and young men,” Weber said. “My admiration for Jay and appreciation for his integrity make this decision that much more difficult. Jay has made this program better during his tenure at CSU. On behalf of the entire Ram family, I sincerely thank Jay for the strong foundation he has laid for our football program.

Reach Michael Hovey and Sophie Webb at sports@collegian.com or on social media @michaelfhovey.

About the Contributors

Michael Hovey, Sports Editor

The best experiences come unexpectedly. For Michael Hovey, that idea manifested in the form of a sports editor role for The Collegian last year. As a returning editor in 2025-26, he’s set his sights on supporting his team and trying not to think about leaving all the amazing people he’s met. As a storyteller, Hovey wants to dig a little deeper and possibly uncover something worth reading. With the help of his co-editor, Sophie Webb, and the rest of The Collegian, Hovey hopes to expand the sports desk’s multimedia presence. He understands the role of a journalist has evolved, and he aims to help set up his peers for success. In reality, though, he never expected to be here. Hovey valued stability when he picked a business degree with a concentration in marketing, but telling human stories was really his intention. He stumbled upon The Collegian at the recommendation of his girlfriend, and he’s extremely fortunate for that. Through sports, his passion for creation has grown, and his knack for going a step further past the box score has improved. He knew from a young age he wouldn’t make it far as an athlete, but Hovey’s learned how to immerse himself in the storylines that come with each game and each person. In his time away from his jobs and school, he’ll be soaking up every moment in his final year of college, spending time with the people he cares about and sharing meals as often as he can.

Sophie Webb, Sports Editor

Sophie Webb is returning as the sports editor for The Collegian, expanding her love of journalism beyond the classroom. Writing has always fascinated Webb, who has been writing short stories since third grade. In high school, she decided to try her hand at journalism. Soon after discovering her passion for journalism, she began working for The Collegian while in high school, and after her first semester of college, she was named sports editor. This year, Webb aims to push herself out of her comfort zone and consistently expand the sports desk, whether that involves helping writers discover their place within the field or collaborating with other departments to increase the quality of content and level of engagement. The Collegian has not only allowed her the opportunity to further her writing and leadership skills but has also given her a second home in the newsroom. Walking in every day confirms she made the right choice in following her passion. Webb knows she can make an impact through her writing, which is why she plans on becoming a full-time journalist post-graduation and, for her next three years at Colorado State University, honing her craft. If not writing or taking photos, Webb can be found hiking, listening to music or traveling to her next country.

Cait Mckinzie, Photo Director

Cait Mckinzie is a third-year student double majoring in art and journalism and media communication. She is the returning photo director for the 2025-26 school year. As an out-of-state student from Renton, Washington, there wasn’t much in Fort Collins Mckinzie was familiar with when she first started at Colorado State University. But in high school, she was the co-head of visuals for her school newspaper, so she applied to The Collegian as a photographer during her first year to get back into a similar environment. At the end of her year as a freelancer, she was trained by Milo Gladstein and Garrett Mogel, her photo directors, to take over Gladstein’s position when he graduated. She attributes most of her photojournalistic experience — and some of her sense of humor — to them. Most of Mckinzie’s photography experience, though, comes from her grandfather. A photographer for most of his life, he gifted Mckinzie her first camera in her junior year of high school and taught her how to use it. With his guidance, she improved her skills during high school enough to get her to The Collegian, a paper that now takes up a large amount of her time. Mckinzie is excited for another year at The Collegian and aims to make her photo desk one Gladstein and Mogel would be proud of.

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