PULLMAN – A Major Shift in Coaching

In a shocking turn of events, Jake Dickert has officially concluded his coaching tenure with Washington State University (WSU) and is set to take over as the head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, according to an announcement made by the university on Wednesday morning. This marks the end of a three-year era for Dickert, who was initially appointed as the defensive coordinator before stepping in as interim head coach during the latter part of the 2021 season.

Interim Leadership and Future Planning

With Dickert’s departure, WSU will rely on assistant head coach Pete Kaligis, who has been with the program for three years, to lead the team as interim head coach during the upcoming Holiday Bowl. Kaligis brings with him extensive experience, having spent 13 years at Wyoming where he coached various football positions, including offensive line and running backs.

Official Statements and Immediate Actions

In a statement from WSU Athletic Director Anne McCoy, it was revealed that Dickert had informed the administration of his decision to leave for a “great opportunity” outside of Washington State and would not coach in the highly anticipated Holiday Bowl. The Cougars have begun the search for a new head coach immediately as they prepare for the bowl game against their as-yet-unnamed opponent.

Dickert’s Tenure at WSU and Recent Performance

At 41 years old, Dickert accumulated a respectable 23-20 record during his time at WSU, including appearances in three different bowl games: the 2021 Sun Bowl, the 2022 LA Bowl, and the Holiday Bowl, scheduled for December 27 in San Diego. The Cougars enjoyed a successful season this year, achieving an 8-4 record that marked their first eight-win season since 2018. They notably reached as high as No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings following an impressive 8-1 start.

Challenges and Changes Ahead

However, a disappointing end to the season, with three consecutive losses, forced them to relinquish their ranking and settle for the Holiday Bowl instead.

New Scheduling Dynamics

This season, WSU faced off against eight Mountain West teams due to a scheduling agreement with the Pac-12, which has faced significant changes in recent months. Following the disbandment of the Pac-12 in August 2023, WSU’s future schedule appears quite different, featuring games against notable opponents like Ole Miss and Virginia.

Contract Details and Future Recruitment

While details regarding Dickert’s buyout remain undisclosed, it is known that he signed a one-year contract extension back in January 2023, keeping him contracted until 2027. After ongoing discussions about a potential extension throughout the season, McCoy noted that it would not have impacted Dickert’s decision to stay or go.

Coaching Staff Turnover and Player Departures

Chaos is now surrounding the Cougars as they enter the Holiday Bowl with significant turnover on the coaching staff and roster. Alongside Dickert's exit, other key coaches—including offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski—have also departed for other programs. The Cougars now find themselves facing the daunting task of competing in the bowl game without a stable coaching staff.

Impacts of the Transfer Portal

What's more, the transfer portal has already seen 22 players, including 10 starters, announce their departure from the program. Highly touted players, such as quarterback Steele Pizzella and running back Jamar Searcy, are among those who have entered the portal, raising concerns about recruitment as WSU also navigates the fallout of the coaching changes.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, McCoy reassured fans that the team is committed to participating in the Holiday Bowl and is focused on maintaining a positive outlook for the future of Cougars football.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for WSU Football

As fans and analysts alike reflect on this sudden coaching change, one thing is clear: Washington State football is entering a new chapter with uncertain but potentially exciting prospects ahead.