Tyson Summers: Football Career, Colorado State, CSU and Football Coach Profile

Tyson Summers is an experienced American college football coach known for his defensive expertise and leadership at several major college programs. He has worked with teams such as Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Colorado, Florida, Western Kentucky and UCF. His coaching career includes serving as a defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and head coach.

Summers returned to Colorado State University in January 2025 as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. He later took on the additional responsibility of interim head coach during the final five games of the 2025 season. Under new head coach Jim Mora in 2026, Summers continued as Colorado State’s defensive coordinator.

His experience in developing defensive units, creating turnovers and coaching players at different levels of college football has made him an important part of the CSU football program.

Who Is Tyson Summers?

Tyson Summers is an American college football coach from Tifton, Georgia. He is best known for his defensive coaching experience and his work with several NCAA football programs.

Summers played college football as a linebacker at Presbyterian College from 1998 to 2001. After completing his playing career, he moved into coaching and gradually developed a reputation as a defensive specialist.

He began coaching in high school and college programs before earning opportunities at UAB, UCF, Georgia Southern and other universities. His career eventually led him to leadership positions, including head coach at Georgia Southern and interim head coach at Colorado State.

Tyson Summers and Colorado State Football

Tyson Summers has a long-standing connection with Colorado State football. His first stint with the Rams began in 2014, when he joined the coaching staff as defensive coordinator after working at UCF.

In December 2014, Colorado State announced Summers as its defensive coordinator under head coach Mike Bobo. He also coached the safeties during the 2015 season. His work with the Rams gave him valuable experience in the Mountain West and helped establish his career as a defensive coach.

Summers returned to Colorado State in December 2024, with the appointment taking effect in January 2025. Head coach Jay Norvell brought him back to lead the Rams’ defense, valuing his previous experience with the program and his defensive background.

His return marked his second stint as Colorado State’s defensive coordinator. However, the 2025 season brought an unexpected leadership change that expanded his responsibilities.

Tyson Summers as CSU Interim Head Coach

Tyson Summers became Colorado State’s interim head coach in October 2025 after the university dismissed Jay Norvell. Summers had originally joined the team as defensive coordinator, but the coaching change placed him in charge of the entire football program for the remainder of the season.

He led the Rams during their final five games of the 2025 campaign. The team faced a difficult period, dealing with injuries and challenges on both sides of the ball. Colorado State finished the season with a 2–10 overall record.

Although his interim head coaching stint was short, it provided Summers with additional experience in managing a college football program, overseeing game preparation and leading players through a challenging season.

Tyson Summers’ Role at Colorado State in 2026

Tyson Summers remained with Colorado State after the 2025 season, returning to his primary role as defensive coordinator under new head coach Jim Mora.

The 2026 coaching staff lists Summers as the defensive coordinator, while Mora serves as head coach. Summers is responsible for coordinating the defensive game plan, preparing players and helping the team compete in its new football season.

During the 2025 campaign, injuries forced Colorado State to use numerous defensive starters. As a result, developing consistency and building depth became important priorities for Summers and the coaching staff.

His experience across multiple college programs gives him a broad understanding of defensive systems and player development. His continued presence also provides some coaching continuity as Colorado State adjusts to a new leadership structure.

Tyson Summers’ Coaching Career

Tyson Summers has built his career through a range of coaching positions at major college football programs. He has worked with defensive backs, linebackers, safeties and entire defensive units.

UAB and UCF Coaching Experience

Summers joined UAB in 2007 and spent five seasons with the program. He initially coached linebackers before moving into roles involving safeties and special teams.

In 2012, he joined UCF as a linebackers coach. His responsibilities grew when he became the team’s defensive coordinator in 2014. UCF finished that season with a 9–4 record, and its defense ranked among the leading FBS units in several statistical categories, including total defense and scoring defense.

Georgia Southern Head Coach

One of the biggest milestones in Summers’ career came in 2016, when he was appointed head coach at Georgia Southern.

He led the Eagles for two seasons, recording five wins and seven losses in 2016. The team went 0–6 in his shortened 2017 season before his departure.

Despite the difficult results, the position gave Summers valuable experience in managing an entire college football program, recruiting players and making decisions beyond defensive coaching.

Colorado and Florida

After leaving Georgia Southern, Summers joined Georgia as a defensive quality control coach in 2018. He then became Colorado’s defensive coordinator, serving from 2019 through 2020.

At Colorado, he worked with the safeties and linebackers while overseeing the defense. In 2021, he moved to Florida, where he served as a defensive analyst, gaining further experience in a major college football environment.

Western Kentucky Defensive Coordinator

Summers joined Western Kentucky in 2022 as defensive coordinator and held the position through the 2024 season.

His defensive units produced strong turnover numbers. Western Kentucky recorded nine defensive touchdowns across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, while the defense combined for 58 turnovers during that period. In 2024, the Hilltoppers led Conference USA in passing defense, allowing 176.1 passing yards per game.

Summers was also a candidate for the Broyles Award in 2022, which recognizes outstanding assistant coaches in college football.

These performances helped strengthen his reputation as an experienced defensive coordinator and contributed to his return to Colorado State.

Tyson Summers’ Football Coaching Style

Tyson Summers is primarily known for his defensive approach to college football. His experience coaching linebackers, safeties and defensive backs has helped him develop an understanding of different areas of defensive play.

His coaching responsibilities include:

• Developing defensive strategies based on opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

• Improving tackling, coverage and defensive discipline.

• Preparing players to create turnovers and limit scoring opportunities.

• Developing younger players and building defensive depth.

• Adjusting defensive schemes to suit available personnel.

His work at Western Kentucky demonstrated his ability to lead defenses that create turnovers and contribute points through defensive touchdowns. At Colorado State, his challenge is to translate that experience into consistent defensive performances.

Tyson Summers’ Education and Playing Career

Before becoming a college football coach, Summers played linebacker at Presbyterian College from 1998 to 2001. He graduated from the institution in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree.

His playing experience helped him understand defensive responsibilities from a player’s perspective. After graduation, he entered the coaching profession, starting with defensive backs coaching before moving into more senior roles.

His background as a linebacker has been particularly relevant to his work with defensive units throughout his coaching career.

Tyson Summers’ Family and Personal Life

Tyson Summers is from Tifton, Georgia, and maintains a family life alongside his coaching career. He is married to Beth Summers, and they have three children: Jake, Walker and Anderson.

His family previously spent time in Fort Collins during his first stint at Colorado State. When he returned to the Rams in 2025, Summers expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with the Fort Collins community.

Although Summers is a public figure in college football, he generally keeps his personal life away from the spotlight, focusing much of his public attention on coaching and his team’s development.

Tyson Summers’ Impact on Colorado State Football

Summers’ value to Colorado State comes from his experience at several levels of college football. His previous time with the Rams gives him familiarity with the program, while his work at UCF and Western Kentucky provides experience in building effective defensive units.

His appointment as interim head coach in 2025 also demonstrated the trust placed in him during a major transition. Remaining as defensive coordinator under Jim Mora in 2026 allows the Rams to retain a coach who understands the team’s recent challenges.

As Colorado State continues to develop its roster and defensive identity, Summers will play an important role in preparing the Rams to compete. His ability to develop players, create turnovers and adapt to changing personnel will be central to his contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tyson Summers?

Tyson Summers is an American college football coach who serves as the defensive coordinator for the Colorado State Rams. He previously served as the interim head coach at Colorado State in 2025 and was the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2016 to 2017.

Is Tyson Summers the Colorado State football coach?

Tyson Summers is Colorado State’s defensive coordinator, not its head coach, in 2026. Jim Mora is the Rams’ head coach.

Was Tyson Summers the CSU interim head coach?

Yes. Summers served as Colorado State’s interim head coach for the final five games of the 2025 season after Jay Norvell was dismissed.

Where did Tyson Summers play college football?

Summers played linebacker at Presbyterian College from 1998 to 2001 and graduated in 2002.

What teams has Tyson Summers coached?

Summers has coached at UAB, UCF, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Georgia, Colorado, Florida and Western Kentucky, among other programs.

How many seasons was Tyson Summers the head coach at Georgia Southern?

Summers was Georgia Southern’s head coach during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He recorded five wins and 13 losses during his tenure.

Who is Tyson Summers’ wife?

Tyson Summers is married to Beth Summers. They have three children: Jake, Walker and Anderson.

Conclusion

Tyson Summers has established a lengthy career in college football through his defensive expertise and leadership at multiple universities. From his early coaching roles at UAB and UCF to his head coaching experience at Georgia Southern, he has developed a broad understanding of the game.

His return to Colorado State in 2025, followed by his interim head coaching role, marked another important chapter in his career. In 2026, he continues to lead the Rams’ defense as defensive coordinator under Jim Mora, bringing experience and familiarity to the CSU football program.