The Cougs suddenly find themselves in the market for a new coach. Who are the top options? We break it down.
Photo: Young Kwak - AP
Article by WestCoastCFB
Top Names to Watch:
Jake Dickert - WSU Defensive Coordintor
Dickert has a strong track record coaching the defensive side of the ball and has been named the Interim Head Coach. The Cougar Defensive Coordinator learned under Craig Bohl for multiple seasons at Wyoming before heading to the Palouse when Nick Rolovich was hired. If Dickert can string together a 7 or 8 win season, then you may see him be named the full time head coach.
Joe Moorhead - Oregon Offensive Coordinator
Joe Moorhead was named Mississippi State head coach in 2018 after coordinating the Nittany Lions offense to 41.1 points per game. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good cultural fit for either party despite some solid success on the field. In his first season, the Bulldogs went 8-5 and then he followed that with a 6-7 record the next season. This would be a great hire for the Cougs but Moorhead may be selective about what job he takes next.
Graham Harrell - USC Offensive Coordinator
Harrell is an Air Raid disciple who coached at WSU under Leach before eventually becoming the USC Offensive Coordinator. His offenses with the Trojans have ranked 37th, 31st and 42nd. This would be a great fit for both sides.
Zak Hill - ASU Offensive Coordinator
Zak Hill is a rising star in the coaching ranks and has strong Northwest ties that would make the hire appealing to the Cougs. The Former Central Washington QB coached at Eastern Washington from 2009-2015 before becoming the Boise State OC for 3 seasons. Hill is now at Arizona State and led the conference in scoring last season.
Jay Norvell - Nevada Head Coach
If the Cougs want a safe hire, Jay Norvell would be the guy. The Madison, Wisconsin native is 12-3 in his past 15 games with the Wolf Pack and has reached 3 Bowls. Another appealing aspect, Norvell is known for big offense and runs the Air Raid.
Alex Grinch - Oklahoma Defensive Coordinator
Grinch became a prominent name after his success as the WSU DC from 2015-2017 under Mike Leach. He's now spent time at Ohio State and Oklahoma and is ready to become the head man somewhere. The question though is, will WSU be willing to hire a defensive guy as the head coach?
Kalen DeBoer - Fresno State Head Coach
DeBoer has quickly become a hot name after leading the Bulldogs to a win over UCLA. The South Dakota native fields an exciting brand of offense and had prior success as a head coach at Sioux Falls where he went 67-3.
Other Names to Watch:
Blake Anderson (Utah State HC)
Sonny Dykes (SMU HC)
Brian Lindgren (Oregon State OC)
Jeff Lebby (Ole Miss OC)
Jeff Traylor (UTSA HC)
Jeff Choate (Texas DC)
Jeff Grimes (Baylor OC)