FORT COLLINS — The CSU Rams are on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator, multiple sources confirmed to The Denver Post on Wednesday, as incumbent Freddie Banks will be leaving the program.
A representative from CSU declined to comment on Banks’ future, but sources close to the football program confirmed his departure early Wednesday afternoon.
Banks, 36, joined Rams coach Jay Norvell’s staff before the 2022 season.
CSU’s defensive numbers have improved in each of the last three years, and a veteran defensive corps this fall finished fourth in the Mountain West in points allowed per game (24.3) and eighth in the circuit in yards allowed per tilt (393.9).
CSU held four of its six league opponents to 21 points or fewer, including rivals Wyoming (10) and Air Force (13). The Rams allowed 80 points, combined, in two losses early in the season against ranked foes Texas (52-0) and CU (28-9). The unit wound up tied for third in the Mountain West in turnover margin per game (+0.25) and in a tie for third in takeaways (19).
Banks’ defense had allowed 28.9 points per game in 2022 and 29.6 per game in 2023.
The ex-CSU assistant had spent a season as cornerbacks coach at Nevada under Norvell (2020), then re-joined the latter in Fort Collins after a season as defensive coordinator at Montana State. The Bobcats allowed 15.0 points per game that fall and eventually reached the FCS national championship game.
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