Jim Mora Leaves UConn to Take Colorado State Head Coaching Job
After leading UConn to consecutive nine-win seasons, Jim Mora is leaving to become Colorado State’s new head coach, triggering a national search for his replacement.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
On Tuesday night, reports emerged that Jim Mora, head coach of UConn football, has accepted the head coaching position at Colorado State. Mora’s move comes after Colorado State fired Jay Norvell following consecutive losing seasons, with the program hoping Mora can bring a turnaround in Fort Collins.
Mora leaves UConn after guiding the Huskies to back-to-back nine-win seasons, a feat the program had not achieved since 2007. Under his leadership, UConn reached bowl eligibility in three of the last four years and compiled 27 wins overall, helping to restore credibility and momentum to the program.
The Mora departure is expected to spark additional changes at UConn. Star running back Victor Rosa has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Rosa, who has accumulated 1,405 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in his career, has one year of eligibility remaining and could follow Mora’s leadership elsewhere.
Mora’s executive director of football, Justin Cummings-Morrow, is also anticipated to join him at Colorado State. The departures underscore the broader ripple effect of Mora’s exit, as UConn prepares for a transitional period with new leadership and staff adjustments.
1. Colorado State Hopes for a Turnaround
Colorado State parted ways with Jay Norvell after a disappointing season capped by a 31-19 home loss to Hawaii. The Rams are looking for a fresh start and see Mora as the coach capable of restoring the program’s competitiveness in the Mountain West Conference. Mora’s track record at UConn, including consecutive nine-win seasons, makes him an appealing candidate. Colorado State hopes his experience leading a rebuilding program will translate into immediate improvement for the Rams. The hiring represents a significant opportunity for Mora to demonstrate his ability to revive a struggling program while competing in a challenging conference. His leadership, staff, and system will be closely scrutinized as he begins work in Fort Collins. Alongside Mora, key staff additions, including Cummings-Morrow, are expected to join Colorado State, signaling that the program plans to implement a cohesive coaching vision from the outset.
2. Impact on UConn Football
Mora’s departure leaves UConn in a period of transition. Director of Athletics David Benedict acknowledged Mora’s contributions in a statement, highlighting the team’s recent achievements and the positive trajectory of the program. “With Jim Mora’s acceptance of the head coaching job at Colorado State, we are squarely focused on maintaining the upward trajectory of our football program,” Benedict said. “We appreciate Coach Mora’s contributions to our many achievements on the gridiron, including back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time ever.” Offensive Coordinator Gordie Sammis will serve as interim head coach as UConn begins a national search for a permanent replacement. The Huskies will need to navigate player retention, recruiting, and staff continuity while searching for their next leader. Victor Rosa’s decision to enter the transfer portal further underscores the challenges UConn will face. Maintaining momentum amid departures of both staff and star players will be crucial as the program works to stabilize during this transition.
3. Next Steps for UConn and Mora
The national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, according to Benedict. UConn aims to secure a leader who can continue the progress Mora made, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term program growth. Recruiting and player development will be key priorities for the new head coach, particularly in retaining talent amid the transfer portal movement. UConn’s recent success under Mora sets expectations high for the next leader. For Mora, the challenge at Colorado State will involve replicating the success he achieved at UConn in a new environment. His first months will be closely watched as he builds a staff, develops schemes, and integrates new players. The ripple effects of Mora’s departure—staff changes, transfers, and recruiting shifts—illustrate the interconnected nature of college football programs when a successful head coach moves to a new opportunity.