The Washington State Cougars football program has a rich history, dating back to 1894. Since then, the team has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with 34 different head coaches leading the way. We’ll take a look at the last 10 coaches who have paced the sidelines in Pullman, Washington.
From the defensive dominance of Nick Saban in the late 90s to the offensive fireworks of Mike Leach in the 2010s, the Cougars have adapted and thrived under diverse leadership and philosophies.
As we celebrate the legacies of these 10 coaches, we eagerly await the next chapter in WSU football history. Who knows what exciting triumphs await the Cougars under Coach Dickert’s leadership?
1. Jake Dickert (2022-Present)
From defensive coordinator to head coach, Jake Dickert’s Washington State career has been a whirlwind. Stepping in after Nick Rolovich’s departure, he led the Cougars to a 7-6 finish in 2022, capped by an LA Bowl appearance against Fresno State.
His 2022 debut saw upsets over ranked teams like California and Colorado State. Dickert’s passionate leadership and defensive expertise aim to rewrite Washington State’s chapter, aiming for sustained success and Pac-12 glory.
Whether Dickert can replicate his defensive magic across the entire franchise remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: WSU’s future is in confident hands.
2. Nick Rolovich (2020-2021)
Nick Rolovich’s tenure as head coach of the Washington State Cougars was a showdown of exciting highs and abrupt ending. Rolovich brought back the famed “Run-and-Shoot” offense, injecting a dose of offensive fireworks into Cougar football.
Under Rolovich, WSU clinched a thrilling 38-28 win over Oregon State in his debut, the first Cougar coach to win on the road since 1977.
With a 5-6 record in 2021, Rolovich left just as the Cougars seemed to be finding their groove under his system.
Despite a turbulent season in 2021, Rolovich’s Cougars rallied to annihilate rival Washington in the Apple Cup by 40-13, a signature moment for Cougar fans.
His Covid-Vaccine case led to his sudden dismissal, and he was replaced by interim HC Dickert.
3. Mike Leach (2012-2019)
Mike Leach, the “Pirate Coach” known for his offensive wizardry and eccentric personality, left an incredible mark on Washington State University football during his eight-year tenure (2012-2019).
With a swashbuckling personality, Leach implemented the Air Raid and brought his signature pass-heavy offense, transforming the Cougars into a scoring machine.
Inheriting a struggling franchise, WSU eventually led Pac-12 in passing yards under Leach, boasting prolific QBs like Anthony Gordon and Gardner Minshew.
For his coaching brilliance, he earned the 2018 AFCA National Coach of the Year honors and Pac-12 Coach of the Year twice. His offensive philosophies spawned successful coaches like Lincoln Riley and Kliff Kingsbury.
4. Mike Price (1989–2002)
In his 14-year tenure, Mike Price transformed the Cougars from Pac-10 cellar dwellers to national contenders. Price’s high-octane offense, led by quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, Jason Gesser, and Ryan Leaf entertained fans and rewrote the program’s record books.
Under Price, WSU engineered three 10-win seasons and five bowl appearances, including two Rose Bowl appearances (1997, 2002).
He became the first Cougar coach to win Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors (1997, 2001) and received two Pac-12 championships as well.
His impact continues to resonate, leaving Cougar fans forever grateful for the “Price is Right” era.
5. Paul Wulff (2008-2011)
Paul Wulff’s eight years at the helm were a rollercoaster for WSU. He inherited a program in rebuilding mode and faced the daunting task of competing in the Pac-12, a conference known for its offensive powerhouses.
His offensive system, nicknamed “Run & Wulff,” focused on a strong running game and ball control. This led to the development of great collegiate running backs like James Williams and Jamal Morrow.
In his first season, Wulff stunned the Huskies with a 16-13 Apple Cup victory, snapping a seven-game losing streak to their rivals. This win became a defining moment for his era, injecting hope into the Cougar fanbase.
Despite the lack of winning seasons, Wulff’s dedication to recruiting and building a culture of hard work laid the foundation for Mike Leach.
6. Bill Doba (2003–2007)
In 2003, Bill Doba took WSU’s helm as head coach, following the departure of the legendary Mike Price. He served as Washington State’s assistant coach before becoming head coach.
His first season was a fairytale, leading the Cougars to a 10-3 record and a Holiday Bowl victory over Texas. That year, Doba received the prestigious Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors, cementing his place as a rising star in the coaching world.
Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the Cougars struggled to maintain consistency with no future winning seasons. WSU missed bowl games in four of his five seasons. In 2007, he faced mounting pressure and had to step down.
7. Dennis Erickson (1987-1988)
Dennis Erickson’s effect on Washington State University football was limited to his two-year stint (1987-1988) as head coach. He inherited a struggling program and injected it with a potent blend of offensive firepower and unwavering belief.
Erickson’s offense, led by quarterback Timm Rosenbach, captivated the Cougars fans. The 1988 season, nicknamed “The Rose Bowl Run,” saw WSU upset No. 1 ranked UCLA and reach the Aloha Bowl, feats unbelievable before Erickson’s arrival.
He led WSU to a 9-3 record in 1988, their best in 30 years. For that, he won the Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors in 1988. He remains an honorary Cougar, forever etched in WSU’s history.
8. Jim Walden (1978-1986)
As head coach from 1978 to 1986, Jim Walden energized the WSU program and the fanbase, racking up 44 wins, the second-highest in the school’s history.
In 1981, Walden led the Cougars to their first bowl game in 51 years, the Holiday Bowl. Although they fell to BYU, it marked a turning point for the Pullman program.
Under him, WSU claimed three Apple Cups in five years, a great accomplishment for a WSU coach.
Walden developed Talent and coached some of WSU’s greatest players, including Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, and Rueben Mayes.
After retiring from coaching, Walden became a beloved color commentator for Washington State’s football games.
9. Warren Powers (1977)
Warren Powers’ tenure as head coach at Washington State University was a brief but impactful one. In 1977, he inherited a struggling program and led them to a respectable 6-5 record, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 3-8 season.
Powers’ most iconic moment came in the season opener when his unranked Cougars stunned the nation by defeating the #15 Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln. This upset win remains one of the most memorable moments in WSU history.
His brief stay at WSU may have been fleeting, but it was a meteor that left a lasting trail on Pullman. In his one-year stint, Powers instilled a culture of hard work and discipline, laying the groundwork for future success.
10. Jackie Sherrill (1976)
Jackie Sherrill’s coaching career spanned over four decades, leaving a mark on programs like Pittsburgh, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M. His brief stop at Washington State in 1976, though less heralded, played an integral role in shaping his future success.
Though the Cougars finished 3-8 under his leadership, Sherrill’s innovative defensive schemes caught the attention of established programs, paving the way for his move to Pittsburgh the following year.
His one-year stint at Washington State proved to be a valuable stepping stone although statistically uneventful. It allowed Sherrill to gain valuable HC experience and develop his coaching strategies.