UConn’s Jim Mora Accepts Colorado State Football Coaching Position

The Colorado State Rams have appointed Jim Mora as their new football head coach, marking a significant change in leadership for the program. Mora, who previously coached at the University of Connecticut (UConn), made his decision known on November 26, as confirmed by UConn’s athletic director.

Background on Jim Mora

At 64 years old, Mora comes with a wealth of experience in both college football and the NFL. He has held head coaching positions at notable programs, including UCLA, as well as in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks. During his tenure at UCLA from 2012 to 2017, Mora achieved a record of 46 wins and 30 losses, with four seasons featuring eight or more victories.

Colorado State’s Coaching Search

The Rams faced a challenging search for their next head coach following the dismissal of Jay Norvell on October 19, 2025, after the team’s seventh game. Since that time, Tyson Summers has been acting as interim coach, leading the team through the final games of the season.

Why Colorado State Selected Jim Mora

• Mora has extensive head coaching experience, aligning with the vision of CSU athletic director John Weber.
• His familiarity with the western region strengthens the program’s recruiting potential.
• Mora grew up in Colorado, benefiting from an early exposure to collegiate coaching.

Coaching Record and Achievements

While at UConn, Mora compiled a 27-23 record across four seasons. He notably led the team to back-to-back nine-win seasons, a feat not achieved since 2007. The program experienced a resurgence under his guidance, attending three bowl games within his tenure—an impressive leap from a single bowl appearance in the previous eleven years.

Contract and Financial Details

Mora’s financial arrangement at UConn included a salary of approximately $2.17 million. As part of his move to Colorado State, a buyout of $1.5 million is required. In comparison, Jay Norvell’s salary at CSU was reported to be $1.9 million in 2025.

As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Jim Mora to lead a revitalization effort for Colorado State football. His extensive background and connections to the region position him as a promising choice for the program’s future.