Colorado State Assistant Coach Hasn't Left Team Facility in Two Weeks
Defensive Coordinator Kenny McClendon is sleeping at the team facility as he takes on new responsibilities.
Colorado State defensive coordinator Kenny McClendon has not been home in two weeks, opting to sleep at the team facility as he adjusts to his new role. Head coach Jim Mora revealed this week that the program converted linebacker coach Jordan Frost-Dixon's office into a bedroom for McClendon.
"He just sleeps there," Mora said during a press conference, adding that McClendon has been living at the facility since taking over the defensive coordinator position in the second half of Colorado State's Oct. 3 loss to Oregon State.
McClendon's wife, Mickey Grace, who serves as the program's director of player development, pass rush specialist, and assistant defensive line coach, has also been present at the facility with their two daughters, Aria and McKenna. Mora recounted a story of the McClendon family eating together and watching the movie "Mulan" at the facility.
McClendon, who was appointed defensive coordinator after Mora fired Tyson Summers during the Oct. 3 game, acknowledged the intensity of his current situation and expressed gratitude for his support system.
"It's a family affair now, and I think to talk about it, you talk about the professional support system, but also personal. I'm lucky," McClendon said. "My wife is sitting there right there, drawing, helping me draw every single card. She's sitting there going through every little thing to make sure we're supported. My daughters are sitting there, they're sleeping in here, they're doing whatever."
He added, "That's the piece that I appreciate more than anything is that I'm not in this by myself, whether that's professionally or personally. I got a great support system. And Coach Mora, the rest of the defensive staff, the rest of the coaches, I have an unbelievable, even a better support system at home with my family. They're doing a great job supporting me in this role, for sure."
McClendon's first full game as the primary play-caller for the defense occurred last week. In that game, the Rams conceded a season-high 66 points and 716 total offensive yards.