Who’s Next At Washington State? Here Are 4 Head Coaching Options

The college football season is almost done, and that means the coaching carousel is gearing up. Several power conference teams currently have job openings which need to be filled. Washington State is one of them. The Cougars had the most bizarre coaching change this year because it occurred not due to wins and losses, but due to a vaccine mandate and the head coach’s refusal to be vaccinated by the deadline for said mandate. Nick Rolovich did not comply with an order to get vaccinated by October 18, so the school fired him and moved on. Now Washington State has to hire a new head coach. Let’s look at the main candidates.

Jake Dickert

The team’s 2021 defensive coordinator did get vaccinated. He was promoted to the position of interim coach when Rolovich and four other Washington State assistants who did not get vaccinated were booted from their posts. Dickert has done a great job since taking over. Washington State still has a chance to win the Pac-12 North if it wins the Apple Cup game against Washington and Oregon State upsets Oregon. If Washington State beats Washington, many people in the industry feel that Dickert will get the permanent job. He will have earned it. If Washington State loses to Washington, then a wider coaching search is likely to occur. Dickert would not be eliminated, but he will have lost his big chance to lock down this job. If he beats Washington, it would be a huge surprise if he is not the guy.

Graham Harrell

The USC offensive coordinator is looking for a job as the Trojans’ season comes to an end. Harrell is a protégé of Mike Leach, the current Mississippi State head coach, who runs the Air Raid offense. Leach ran that offense for many years at Washington State, and the Cougars have a roster designed to run that offense and other variations of it, such as the Run and Shoot. Therefore, Harrell would not have an especially difficult transition process if he came to Washington State. He would inherit a group that would already be suited to his style of offense. If he hired a strong defensive coordinator, he could make Washington State something similar to what it was under Leach, which would be a very positive outcome for the program.

Jeff Tedford

The former California Golden Bear and Fresno State Bulldog head coach has recently expressed interest in returning to coaching. He had health problems but claims he has dealt with them and is physically fit to throw himself into the world of coaching and its many demands. Tedford is very respected throughout the Pac-12. His rebuild of Cal was extremely impressive. He was Aaron Rodgers’ college head coach. Washington State could do a lot worse than Tedford.

Alex Grinch

The Oklahoma defensive coordinator used to be defensive coordinator at Washington State. This would be a natural fit with someone who understands the program and the recruiting challenges attached to the job in Pullman. Grinch is a rising star in the business who would feel very comfortable at Washington State. The Cougars should at least give him an interview.