LARAMIE, Wyo. — The football forecast in Fort Collins has been looking cloudy for quite some time, and few would know this better than Sonny Lubick, the legendary coach whose shadow looms large over Colorado State University (CSU) football. When I reached him by phone recently, he chuckled at the inconsistencies that have plagued his beloved program since his departure. “They fired me in 2007,” Lubick reminisced, “and I believe that there’ve been four coaches since then.”
However, the reality is that there have actually been five head coaches since Lubick, not counting interim situations—a fact that highlights the instability that has seeped into the football program. The latest victim was Jay Norvell, who was let go after an underwhelming four-season tenure that resulted in an 18-26 record. The recent firing, leading into a crucial Border War clash against Wyoming, encapsulates the mounting pressures on coaching staff in the competitive landscape of college football.
“The thing is, I don’t know what the problem is,” Lubick candidly admitted. “If it was just one thing, it would be easy to fix. But it’s not like that.” His honest reflections underscore a program at a crossroads, one struggling to regain its former glory.
At 88, Lubick remains a key figure in Colorado State sports, still engaged with the game he loves. “I’m feeling good,” he said, sharing that he’s watching multiple games every weekend and even spending time at his steakhouse, which bears his name. Yet as a fan, watching CSU play has become increasingly challenging. “I knew after he got beat by Hawaii that things were shaky,” he recalled, foreshadowing the end for Norvell.
The relentless pressure on coaches today adds to the complexity of winning in college football. Lubick pointed out, “Now your backside is on what I guess I would call the hot seat. When you coach like that, it’s hard.” This notion of a “hot seat” reflects not just the performance of a team but also the broader challenges of maintaining talent in a rapidly evolving college sports landscape.
Under Lubick’s leadership from 1996 to 2007, CSU thrived, sending 20 players to the NFL during his tenure. Contrast that with the past decade, where only seven players have been drafted from CSU. The $220 million Canvas Stadium stands as a testament to potential but has ironically become a “monument to mediocrity.” As Lubick pointedly asked, “Are you puzzled?” It’s a question that resonates deeply with Rams fans.
The rules have indeed changed, making it increasingly difficult for mid-tier programs like CSU to keep their talent. “Would Porter, Haggans or a player like Bradlee Van Pelt have stuck around to finish their eligibility here had there been a transfer portal and NIL money back then?” Lubick questioned. It’s a fair point—a reality that smaller programs face as they compete against larger schools that often view them as mere feeder systems.
The recent advances in college athletics, particularly the influence of NIL deals, have only intensified these challenges. Lubick noted, “Bigger schools are bidding right now to snap up the Rams’ best players.” In this climate, CSU’s athletic director John Weber has the arduous task of securing funding to match the rising financial demands of recruiting and retaining top talent. The increasing pressure to deliver winning seasons affects not just coaches but also the entire administrative framework of the program.
“I know this: It’s pressure-packed,” Lubick emphasized as he discussed the imminent coaching search. There’s an urgent need for a capable leader, someone who can stabilize the ship and steer it towards competitiveness. Weber’s decision to hire a search firm, instead of relying on internal judgment, signals a cautious and strategic approach, particularly given the missteps of past hiring processes.
Lubick openly expressed respect for Norvell, recognizing the honest effort he put forth during his time at CSU. Just days before their matchup against Fresno State, Lubick visited the team’s offices, hoping to lend a bit of encouragement, emphasizing how crucial it is to compete at a high level. “He’s a good person. He’s trying to do the right things for the players … you gotta win, I guess,” Lubick stated, underscoring the undeniable truth that success on the field correlates directly with job security in coaching.
Surrounding all of this is an intricate web of challenges—recruiting, finances, player development, and maintaining a winning culture. “You gotta have a QB who can finish drives, a defense that can snuff them out,” Lubick observed, pointing to fundamental elements that have seemingly slipped through the cracks. In a landscape where television money substantially influences the balance of power, the Rams find themselves in a disadvantageous position on the national stage.
Reflecting on the coaching search, Lubick humorously remarked, “I come a lot cheaper than most consultants.” While it’s clear he has a wealth of experience and valuable insights to offer, he recognizes the complexities of modern athletic departments. His son, Matt Lubick, stands as a potential candidate for the head coaching position, but Sonny’s involvement might complicate matters. “If they ask me who should be the next coach, they know what I would say,” he stated. Yet, this potential familial connection makes it prudent for him to remain neutral.
In this ongoing saga of CSU football, where coaching tenures are often punctuated by tumult, the sense of urgency to find the right leader has never been more critical. “If you’ve got a good QB, or a decent QB, you have a chance,” Lubick summarized. The historical reference points remind us that while it’s easy to analyze the present, the shadows of the past linger, and the future remains uncertain.
For CSU football, each season represents a fresh opportunity and a reminder of what once was—a potent combination of hopes, dreams, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.