Colorado State Targeting UConnS Jim Mora as Next Head Coach, Sources Say
Colorado State University is expected to hire UConn head football coach Jim Mora, sources told ESPN. The move comes less than a month after the Rams fired Jay Norvell mid-season and as the program prepares to join the Pac-12 conference.
Mora, who recently completed his fourth season at UConn, revitalized the huskies’ program, leading them to a 9-3 record in 2023 – their first nine-win season as 2007. He delivered three bowl seasons during his tenure, a significant turnaround for a program that had appeared in only one bowl game in the previous 11 years. This hire signals Colorado state’s intent to quickly elevate its football program as it transitions to a Power Five conference.
Colorado State has been searching for stability at the head coaching position, having cycled through Mike Bobo, steve addazio, and Norvell as 2019. Norvell was dismissed last month during his fourth season. The Rams have played in only one bowl game since 2017.
Mora brings a wealth of coaching experience to Fort Collins, including six seasons leading UCLA, where he secured eight or more wins in four of those years. His overall record as a college head coach is 73-53 across 10 seasons. Prior to his college success, mora spent nearly two decades as an assistant coach and coordinator in the NFL, and also served as a head coach for both the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.
UConn’s successful 2023 season included victories over Duke and Boston College,and remarkably,all three of their losses came in overtime. Quarterback Joe Fagnano led the Huskies’ offense with 28 touchdowns and only one interception during the regular season.
Colorado State, which opened a new $200 million-plus stadium in 2017, has expressed ambitions to become a top-tier program under new athletic director John Weber, who has publicly stated the school’s goal is to compete for the college Football Playoff.
