Demetrius Sumler eager to ‘make the most of the opportunity’ as SDSU’s interim defensive coordinator

Demetrius Sumler mentioned recently that one of his goals is to become a defensive coordinator.

“Speak it into existence,” said Sumler, who has been SDSU’s cornerbacks coach the past eight seasons.

And so it is.

SDSU coach Sean Lewis said Monday that Sumler will serve as the Aztecs’ interim defensive coordinator for the New Mexico Bowl against North Texas following the departure of Rob Aurich, who left over the weekend to become DC at Nebraska.

“I’m just excited,” Sumler said Tuesday. “It’s something I’ve worked a long time for. I’m appreciative of Coach Lewis and Rob, and even the past coordinators I learned from, and just trying to make the most of the opportunity.”

Sumler said the biggest challenge is going from worrying about eight or nine players in his position group to 49 guys as the defensive coordinator.

“You have to expand your vision, making sure you’re covering all bases,” said Sumler, a San Diego native and Cathedral Catholic High School graduate. “You’ve got a lot more things to make sure you’re squared away with, just as far as the run fits and different formations, things like that. When you really just focus on the corners, you aren’t worried about as much as that stuff. It’s more just a receiver/corner matchup. Now you’re worried about the big picture.”

SDSU linebacker Owen Chambliss said it was disappointing to hear that Aurich was leaving, but Chambliss was focused on Sumler’s expanded role.

“We have amazing confidence in Coach Sumler,” Chambliss said. “I was more excited to hear the news that Coach Sumler was going to be the coordinator than Coach Aurich was leaving.”

Added SDSU edge Trey White: “It did come as a shock. Obviously, I love Coach Aurich. He was my edge coach here (in 2024) when I first transitioned to the position and made me into the man and player I am today. I can’t thank him enough.

“Coach Sumler, he’s been here all four years that I’ve been here. I love (that he’s DC). He’s going to bring that energy and passion, and the standard isn’t going to drop under his watch.”

Sumler has expanded his defensive perspective in recent years by paying particular attention to the “how” and “why” being taught to the defensive linemen and linebackers.

“Sitting in on those meetings, definitely trying to contribute,” Sumler said, “when we were game planning to the front stuff and coming up with run stunts and blitz ideas and things like that. And like I said, just learning from the guys. …

“Really just trying to, from a backseat, take an overall perspective, not giving much input on it, but really just trying to soak it all in, and now getting to make decisions.”

Asked what has prepared Sumler for this moment, Lewis said, “His commitment to the program, first and foremost. He’s a great connector of young men and bringing people together.”

Sumler will be a candidate for the permanent position.

“The best interview he could possibly have is this opportunity,” Lewis said.

Sumler is eager to make a good impression, but said his focus is on preparing SDSU (9-3) to be successful against No. 23 North Texas (11-2).

“Coach Lewis is going to do what he feels best for the Aztecs, and I’m on board with it,” Sumler said. “I trust him, and I trust his word.

“Yes, I want the job, but the biggest thing is sending these guys out with 10 wins.”