As scrutiny over head coach Jimmy Rogers intensifies, his early performance surpasses many expectations compared to his recent predecessors.
Former head coach Jake Dickert led the Cougars from 2021 to 2024. Dickert coached some talented players, including No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, 2025 Heisman Trophy favorite John Mateer and Jayden de Laura. The 2021 football team had four players who went on to play in the NFL: Abraham Lucas, Jaylen Watson, Jaden Hicks and Chau Smith-Wade.
Dickert went 2-2 in his first four games, defeating FCS-level Portland State and FBS University of California. His two losses came against FBS schools Utah State and the University of South Carolina.
The distinction between FCS and FBS is important. FCS is the second-highest level of NCAA Division I, while FBS is the highest level. Dickert finished the 2021 season with a 7-6 record.
WSU head coach Jake Dickert motivates his team ahead of NCAA football game against Oregon, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
Before Dickert, another notable era was under fan-favorite Mike Leach, who coached WSU from 2012 to 2019. The 2012 team featured now-NFL players Deone Bucannon and Xavier Cooper. Leach is on track for College Football Hall of Fame induction. After the committee lowered the required win percentage from 60 percent to 59.5 percent, matching Leach’s rate, he will be eligible for the 2027 ballot.
In the first four games of the Leach Era, WSU went 2-2, defeating FBS teams the University of Las Vegas and Colorado University. Losses came against FBS teams Brigham Young University and San Diego State University. Leach ended the 2012 season with a 3-9 record.
Football Head Coach Mike Leach tweeted a fake video of a speech in 2014 by former President Barack Obama on Sunday.
Nick Rolovich served as WSU head coach for only one season, spanning 2020 to 2021. His tenure was cut short due to COVID-19 and the vaccine mandate. Rolovich refused to be vaccinated, which led to his firing. He later sued WSU and lost.
Rolovich had four NFL-caliber players on his roster: Abraham Lucas, Jaylen Watson, Chau Smith-Wade and Brennan Jackson.
Rolovich went 1-3 in his first four games, with the lone win against FBS team Oregon State. Losses came from former Pac-12 rivals Oregon, USC and Utah. He finished the season with a 5-6 record.
Nick Rolovich was fired from his position as head football coach on Monday.
Current Head Coach Jimmy Rogers is four games into his tenure and is 2-2. Wins came against FCS Idaho Vandals and FBS San Diego State University. Losses came from FBS schools the University of Washington in the Apple Cup and the University of North Texas.
Rogers faces different circumstances than the previous four coaches. Name, image and likeness payments are now allowed; player transfers are easier and the overall quality of athletes is higher. Rogers needs time to navigate the roster and determine what works. With patience, he could turn WSU into the powerhouse he built at South Dakota State University.
