Back from Ireland after preparing for the Croke Park Classic in August, UCF head coach George O’Leary has announced the promotion of Tyson Summers as the Knights’ defensive coordinator.
“I am very happy to name Tyson Summers as defensive coordinator,” Coach O’Leary said. “I thought he did an outstanding job in the spring with what was explained to the players, organization of the staff and obviously the work on the field.”
Summers served as interim defensive coordinator in the spring as well as at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl win over Baylor. He will remain as UCF’s linebackers coach as well, a position he has served in since 2012.
“I am very excited and appreciative of this opportunity at UCF,” Summers said. “The chance to be at a top-10 program and learn from an outstanding coach like George O’Leary is an honor.”
Since Summers’ arrival in 2012, the Knights have posted a combined record of 22-5 with a pair of bowl victories. Last year, middle linebacker Terrance Plummer was voted on to the American Athletic Conference First Team, and also named the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP.
UCF’s work on defense in that Fiesta Bowl win stunned the nation, holding the Big 12 champion Bears to under their season averages in points, rushing yards, passing yards and total yards. Baylor entered the game leading the nation in scoring and total offense.
Before venturing to Orlando, Summers worked at UAB from 2007-11. A graduate of Presbyterian College in 2002, he got his start in coaching at Tift County (Ga.) High School that same year.
Coaching Experience