Jim Mora’s Coaching Appointment Graded at Colorado State
The recent appointment of Jim Mora as the new head football coach at Colorado State has drawn attention from national sports analysts. Various outlets have weighed in with their assessments, reflecting a range of grades for the hire.
Grades for Jim Mora’s Coaching Appointment
ESPN
ESPN awarded Colorado State an “A” for the hiring of Jim Mora. Analyst Bill Connelly noted that CSU is not in as dire a situation as UConn was when Mora took over that program. He cited Mora’s impressive turnaround at UConn, where he achieved 18 wins in 2024 and 2025.
The Athletic
Chris Vannini from The Athletic graded Mora’s hiring as a “B.” He emphasized the surprise among observers that Mora did not receive offers from more prestigious programs. Vannini praised Mora’s diverse coaching experience, highlighting his ability to instill structure and vision in a program that has struggled for two decades.
USA TODAY
Blake Toppmeyer and Matt Hayes both assigned a “B” grade to Mora’s appointment. Toppmeyer pointed out that Mora’s connections to the West Coast could benefit Colorado State, given his history at Washington and the Seattle Seahawks. Hayes expressed surprise that Mora’s strong resume did not attract interest from higher-profile programs.
College Sports Wire
Tyler Nettuno offered a “B+” grade, commending Mora for revitalizing one of college football’s struggling programs at UConn. He mentioned that Mora’s leadership in the upcoming Pac-12 offers Colorado State a chance to compete effectively.
CBS Sports
Brandon Marcello graded Mora’s hiring with an “A,” noting that Colorado State made a bold move by selecting him. He recognized Mora’s successful transformation of the UConn program as evidence of his capability to elevate the Rams.
Conclusion
Overall, Jim Mora’s hiring at Colorado State has been met with positive feedback from various analysts. His experience and past achievements suggest a potential turning point for the Rams as they look to compete in the Pac-12.
