Top candidates to replace Nick Rolovich at Washington State

After parting ways with head coach Nick Rolovich, Washington State is beginning a coaching search for the second time in three years. There are great candidates all over the country but the key will be to find the right fit for Pullman and the Cougs.

Former head coach Nick Rolovich went 5-6 in 2020 and 2021 before getting the ax after refusing to comply with Washington’s vaccine mandate for all state employees. Rolovich is planning legal action against all parties involved in what his lawyer has dubbed an “illegal termination.”

Former Washington State defensive coordinator Jake Dickert is filling in as the interim head until AD Pat Chun and the program find the best candidate to take over.

College football insider Bruce Feldman pulled together a list of top coaching candidates Wazzu may pursue in the coming weeks.

Top Head Coach Candidates

Jay Norvell, Nevada Head Coach

At 58 years old, Nevada head coach Jay Norvell could be ready to make the jump into head coaching in the Power 5 ranks. With the Wolfpack, Norvell’s amassed a 30-23 record in five and a half seasons. Since going 3-9 in his first year, Nevada has gone bowling consistently from 2018-2020. They’re 5-1 this season with a lone loss to Kansas State. The Wolfpack offense is top-25 in scoring behind their No. 3 passing game. Also, Norvell’s starting QB Carson Strong could easily be the first off the board at his position for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kalen DeBoer, Fresno State Head Coach

Second-year Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer could be an up-and-comer to consider for Washington State. He’s put together a stunning 75–8 record after racking up wins at his alma mater Sioux Falls. The Bulldogs are 5-2 this season and spent a couple of weeks ranked in the top 25 after an upset win over UCLA and a near upset against Oregon. Even with a short tenure at Fresno State, DeBoer should know the major players in the recruiting areas he’d need in Pullman.

• Troy Calhoun, Air Force Head Coach
• Jeff Banks, Texas Assistant Head Coach
• Jim McElwain, Central Michigan Head Coach
• Brent Brennan, San Jose State Head Coach

Top coordinators to consider

Joe Moorhead, Oregon Offensive Coordinator

Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has a resume that’s impossible to ignore. The former Mississippi State head coach has been in the DI game for more than two decades. That longevity should help him pull together an impressive staff. Also helping his case, Moorhead has been able to get familiar with recruiting areas he’ll need to know at Wazzu while coaching for the Ducks. As a head coach, his overall record is 52–25.

• Jeff Choate, Texas Co-defensive Coordinator
• Alex Grinch, Oklahoma Defensive Coordinator
• Dennis Simmons, Oklahoma Assistant Head Coach
• Jim Mastro, Oregon Run-Game Coordinator
• Ken Wilson, Oregon Co-defensive Coordinator