Jim Mora Takes Over at Colorado State, Signaling a New Era for the Rams

Colorado State has made one of the biggest coaching moves of the offseason, hiring veteran head coach Jim Mora to lead the Rams as they prepare for a major transition into the restructured Pac-12 Conference. Mora arrives after four seasons at UConn, where he led one of the most dramatic program turnarounds in recent college football history.

A Proven Rebuilder

Mora revitalized UConn’s football program during his tenure, compiling a winning record and guiding the Huskies to three bowl appearances. His back-to-back nine-win seasons marked unprecedented success for a program that had struggled for more than a decade.

Before coaching at UConn, Mora spent six seasons at UCLA, where he posted a strong record and led the Bruins to multiple bowl games. His extensive background also includes years as an NFL head coach with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks. Colorado State administrators viewed that blend of college and professional experience as a major asset.

Why Colorado State Chose Mora

Colorado State has endured instability at the head coaching position, cycling through multiple leaders over the last several years. With the university entering the Pac-12 next season, officials wanted a coach with a track record of building programs, recruiting effectively, and competing on bigger stages. Mora checks all those boxes.

University leaders emphasized his leadership qualities, passion for developing student-athletes, and vision for elevating the program. His familiarity with the Pac-12 from his days at UCLA adds another layer of value as the Rams step into a tougher, more high-profile conference environment.

Opportunities Ahead

Mora’s arrival opens the door to several key opportunities for Colorado State:

• Recruiting momentum: His reputation and NFL background are expected to attract higher-level talent.

• National visibility: Joining the new Pac-12 gives the Rams a bigger platform, and pairing that with an experienced coach could fast-track competitiveness.

• Cultural stability: Mora is known for establishing strong identities and long-term direction within his programs.

Challenges on the Horizon

The expectations will be immediate. Colorado State needs to build a roster capable of handling Pac-12 competition, and Mora will be tasked with assembling a staff, securing recruits, and setting the tone quickly. The program also must shake off years of inconsistency and fully commit to a new identity under its latest leader.

The Start of a New Chapter

Mora will be formally introduced in early December, beginning the Rams’ next chapter with renewed optimism. Colorado State believes it has finally found a steady, highly qualified coach to guide the program forward.

For now, one thing is clear: Jim Mora’s arrival signals that Colorado State is serious about raising its profile, competing at a higher level, and building a future worthy of the program’s potential.