In no world is Iowa State a better coaching job than WSU head on. If you measure in funding yes, it is, but not strictly off name value. It makes no sense to leave WSU for the Cyclones until you hear their Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, speak. 

“He has two and a half million dollars in (revenue) share, and he took Ole Miss, Virginia and JMU to the end with two and a half million dollars.” Pollard said. “He is ecstatic that he gets a payroll of $13 million.”

The difference between the two schools is that one has money, and one does not. WSU has been left by its past two coaches, Jimmy Rogers and Jake Dickert, for schools that, on face value are not that much better, if at all. While both coaches were hired under the previous president, Kirk Schultz, things have been far from perfect since President Betsy Cantwell arrived. Cantwell was hired due to her excellent growth in athletics at Utah State; however, since her hiring, nothing has been a sign of good to come. 

This past summer, WSU cut most of the track and field aside from some distance running events. The explanation was centered around wanting to be competitive and saving money, but they are not the only sport that may see funding or the entire program cut. It is sad for Cougar athletics, with NIL becoming so relevant and WSU having poor money management. 

Rogers’ leaving is one thing, but look at the athletes who have left. Cam Ward went to Miami for over $1 million, John Mateer left for over $1.5 million and Lejuan Watts left for over $500,000. WSU needs money to keep their top athletes, but they will not be able to until they nail the hire of an athletic director and a football coach. 

The current administration has not shown any signs of fundraising that will increase funding for athletics substantially. Even Oregon State, a school in the same league as WSU, was able to pay quarterback Maalik Murphy $1.5 million. While he did not pan out, if OSU can afford to pay him, WSU should be able to find some money somewhere. 

WSU is at a crossroads. Until leadership proves it can fundraise, manage money and hire stability at the top, the Cougars will continue to lose coaches and players to programs with deeper pockets. The issue is not the Cougar brand; it is commitment. If WSU wants to stop being a stepping stone, real investment in athletics has to start now with the hire of a new athletic director and football head coach.