For the second time in two years, there will be a new football coaching staff in Pullman. When Kirby Moore was announced as the head coach at Washington State University, the immediate question was not just about scheme or philosophy. It was about people. Moore built his staff to re-tool the Cougs and improve their 6-6 record from last season heading into the new Pac-12. 

Moore’s answer has come in the form of an experienced and connected staff that includes Trent Bray, Matt Miller, Ena Eti, Justin Green and Jack Abercrombie.  

The quarterback room remains one of the most closely watched areas entering the new season after producing the likes of Cam Ward, John Mateer and Zevi Eckhaus. The Cougs are used to an air raid offense, where if you do not throw for over 250 yards it was an off day. Last season Eckhaus threw for 2,094 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Next season the QB room will be led by transfer QB Caden Pinnick from UC Davis. Pinnick threw for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While there has not been an official announcement, it is more than likely Pinnick will be the starter come fall for the Cougs. QB coach Matt Miller understands the lineage of elite WSU QB’s and is excited to continue it. 

“Our job is to make sure the quarterback understands not just the playbook but the why behind it,” Miller said. “We want them to play fast and confident.”

That confidence will be key for an offense that ranked No. 89 in the FBS last season. They are looking to improve their balance after leaning on the pass for 48.2% of their offensive snaps. 

“We’re building trust in the room,” Miller said. “That comes from reps, communication and accountability.”

With the new era of the Pac-12 beginning this upcoming season, the new coaching staff wants to give WSU a reason to believe in the Crimson and Gray. While an overhaul of coaches was expected, so was an overhaul of new players. However, it was never really about that. 

Cornerbacks coach Brandyn Thompson said the early focus has been less about replacing talent and more about reinforcing identity. Instead of using the transfer portal to overhaul the roster, the staff looked to build around returning players who developed under previous leadership.

“The right fit is the huge thing around here,” Thompson said. “They did a great job on the last staff bringing in young kids, and we were able to bring a lot of those guys back.”

That group includes defensive backs who gained experience behind veteran leaders last season, including players like Kayo Patu, Kyle Peterson and Trey Ridley. With departures such as Tucker Large and other corners whether in the transfer portal or no more eligibility. Younger players now step into serious play time. 

“A lot of those young guys got to learn underneath older guys,” Thompson said. “Now they get their opportunity.”

While WSU’s focus was not on bringing in tons of portal players, that does not mean they did not. A big point for them was versatility. Thompson pointed to Jaylen Thomas, a defensive back capable of shifting between corner, nickel and safety, as an example of the type of player the staff values.

“In 2026, DBs are versatile,” Thompson said. “They’re really corners, nickels and safeties. We just wanted a really good football player in our room.”

While recruiting still involves traditional benchmarks like size and speed, Thompson emphasized that physical traits only serve as a starting point.

“Measurables are usually the floor,” Thompson said. “From there, you’re looking for mentality and intangibles.”

Those intangibles come from relationships. The staff placed a premium on understanding a player’s background, personality and resilience before determining whether they fit the locker room.

“It’s really about getting to know the kids, their families and what they’ve been through,” Thompson said. “That’s how you know if they’re a good fit for what you’re building.”

While defensive backs are a position of importance, none are more important than the offensive line. O-line coach Jack Abercrombie pointed to one of the biggest early advantages the staff inherited: five returning starters up front.

“I mean, it’s great,” Abercrombie said. “You get the continuity, especially those guys all working on the same page. It’s important that we put a big priority on that, and I’m extremely grateful that they came back and decided to trust us. I look forward to working with them.”

As for why he decided to come to WSU over staying at Missouri or another power conference football school. Abercrombie said his decision to come to Washington State University was rooted in relationships, particularly with head coach Kirby Moore, who he worked with at Missouri.

As for what Abercrombie looks for in his offensive line, it’s simple. He emphasized that size definitely matters. You want big, long, athletic bodies who are going to move people.

On the defensive side, defensive tackles coach Ena Eti said his focus in the trenches centers on explosiveness and disruption.

“I think we’ve got some good experience with one of our returners in KB,” Eti said. “Malijah Tucker is another returner that I have. I really appreciate those guys sticking through it with us because I know what they can bring to the table.”

When evaluating additions through the transfer portal, Eti has a criteria he wants his linemen to meet.

“Length and size help,” he said. “But I’m more about movement patterns, explosiveness and the ability to disrupt the run game and then transition into pass.”

WSU’s defense was good last season but struggled with tackling at times. Eti says that it is a simple fix.

“A lot of it has to do with targeting,” he said. “How you come off a block and how you target from there. There’s the strike, the leverage, the shed and then the targeting. You need to attack at the right level with the correct leverage and squeeze your clamps.”

A benefit of good o-line play is that the running backs job is easier and keeps the offense flowing. Running backs coach Justin Green sees the new era in Pullman as an opportunity both professionally and collectively.

“This is a great opportunity for me at this point in my career,” Green said. “I think this is a great group of coaches and a staff I would love to work with.”

WSU and its stadium attendance to all events has been below average. Last season outside of the Apple Cup and game against the Vandals, Gesa Field was below 70% filled. Green believes fan support will follow performance.

“I’m a firm believer that if you build it, they will come,” Green said. “We’ve got to make sure we’re doing our job and putting a great product out there on the football field.”

For Green, being part of the PAC-12 carries personal significance.

“I grew up watching the Pac-12,” Green said. “To have an opportunity to be part of it and represent one of the original teams is a big deal.”

Overall, WSU’s new coaching staff is excited and eager to start training and bring WSU back to the limelight of CFB.