The hiring of Jim Mora as the new head football coach for Colorado State University (CSU) has received positive evaluations from multiple national sports outlets. As Mora steps into this role to replace Jay Norvell, analysts have weighed in on the implications of this significant coaching change.
ESPN awarded CSU an impressive “A” grade. Analyst Bill Connelly noted that while the Rams may not be in as dire a situation as UConn was when Mora took over, the coach’s track record speaks for itself. He mentioned that after facing challenges in his early seasons, Mora was able to lead UConn to an incredible turnaround, achieving 18 victories in the 2024 and 2025 seasons following just 19 wins over the previous seven years.
The Athletic’s Chris Vannini assigned a “B” grade to the hire, commenting on the surprise that Mora did not receive interest from higher-profile programs. He highlighted Mora’s broad experience, ranging from being an NFL head coach to revitalizing a struggling UConn team. Vannini expressed optimism that Mora would bring the much-needed structure and vision to a CSU program that has largely been stagnant for two decades, aside from a brief successful period.
USA TODAY’s Blake Toppmeyer and Matt Hayes both graded the hiring a “B”. Toppmeyer emphasized Mora’s West Coast connections, noting his background as both a player at Washington and a coach with the Seattle Seahawks. He suggested that while other candidates may have offered a potentially higher ceiling, Mora presents a steadier, high-floor option for CSU, which has struggled since Jim McElwain’s departure over ten years ago. Hayes echoed this sentiment, questioning why Mora hadn’t attracted interest from Power conference schools, but acknowledged his proven capacity to build winning teams.
College Sports Wire rated the hire a “B+”. Tyler Nettuno pointed out Mora’s transformative work at UConn, which was previously a struggling program, and expressed enthusiasm about Mora’s potential to awaken what has been regarded as a sleeping giant within the Group of Five schools. He anticipates that Mora’s leadership will position CSU for immediate competition in the new Pac-12 environment.
CBS Sports also responded positively, giving an “A” grade. Brandon Marcello remarked that the Rams made a significant statement by hiring Mora from UConn, noting his success in turning the Huskies into a consistent winner and expressing hope that he can replicate that success in Fort Collins.
With a largely favorable consensus on Mora’s hiring, CSU fans can look forward to a season filled with hope and the possibility of revitalization for the football program. As Mora prepares to embark on this new chapter, the collective optimism from sports analysts underscores the potential impact of his leadership in reshaping the Rams’ future.