Colorado State Coach Sleeps in Office to Revitalize Failing Defense

Colorado State assistant coach Kenny McClendon has been living at the team's facility for the past two weeks, sleeping in a converted office as he attempts to fix the college football program's struggling defense. McClendon was recently promoted to defensive coordinator following the mid-game departure of his predecessor, Tyson Summers.

The Rams' defense is currently ranked 138th out of 138 Football Bowl Subdivision teams. Over their last four games, the team has conceded 222 points. Prior to their current four-game losing streak, the Rams had a 2-4 season record.

Head coach Jim Mora confirmed McClendon's living situation, stating that an office was transformed into a sleeping space for the coach. "Kenny hasn’t been home in two weeks," Mora said. "We took Jordan (Frost-Dixon)'s office, our linebacker coach, and turned it into a bedroom for Kenny. So he just sleeps there."

McClendon has expressed his family's support during this intensive period, noting that his wife and daughters have been assisting him with reviewing defensive strategies. "I'm lucky. My wife is sitting there... helping me draw every single card, she's sitting there going through every little thing to make sure we're supported," McClendon said. "My daughters are sitting there, they're sleeping in here... I’m not in this by myself."

In the current season, Colorado State's defense has allowed 3,182 yards and 34 touchdowns across six games, averaging 8.14 yards per play against them.

Summers' departure occurred earlier in October during the team's 56-26 loss to Oregon State. He was relieved of his playcalling duties in the first half, with McClendon taking over. Summers subsequently left the sidelines, and Mora confirmed his permanent departure from the program after the game. Mora stated that while he had removed Summers from playcalling, he did not instruct him to leave the team.