Demetrius Sumler named San Diego State defensive coordinator

Demetrius Sumler was named Saturday as San Diego State’s defensive coordinator.

Sumler, who has been SDSU’s cornerbacks coach the past eight seasons, was named interim defensive coordinator two weeks ago when Rob Aurich left to become DC at  Nebraska. Sumler was expected to be among the candidates for the permanent position, with SDSU’s appearance in the Dec. 27 New Mexico Bowl against No. 23 North Texas serving as his audition.

“The best interview he could possibly have is this opportunity,” SDSU coach Sean Lewis said at the time.

Lewis decided not to wait to remove the interim tag, making the move permanent by hiring from within the staff for the second straight season. Last year, Aurich was promoted from defensive line coach when Eric Schmidt was hired as head coach at North Dakota.

“Coach Sumler is a star in this profession,” Lewis said in making the announcement. “He is the perfect fit to lead our defense and to continue to elevate our program to new heights.

“He has a great football mind, develops relationships, connects with everyone in the building and has produced undeniable results. I am excited for him to lead our defense.”

The Aztecs were practicing Saturday morning and no additional information or comment was immediately available about the decision.

When Sumler was named interim DC two weeks ago, he said: “I’m just excited. 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.”

With the transfer portal opening Jan. 2, it was important for Lewis to act quickly. Having a permanent DC in place removes any doubt for SDSU players who may have considered entering the portal and provides clarity as well as for those players the Aztecs will try to pull from the portal.

It was a popular move with players two weeks ago when Sumler was named interim DC.

“We have amazing confidence in Coach Sumler,” SDSU linebacker Owen Chambliss said at the time. “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 then: “Coach Sumler, he’s been here all four years that I’ve been here. I love it (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 is a San Diego native who played at Cathedral Catholic High School. He was a standout running back for the Dons, graduating as the San Diego Section’s career rushing leader with 5,696 yards.

Sumler played collegiately at Colorado before using his last year of eligibility at Central Washington. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at Colorado.

In 2016, Sumler joined the SDSU staff as a graduate assistant. Two years later, he was hired as cornerbacks coach. Pass game coordinator was added to Sumler’s responsibilities this season.