PULLMAN, Wash – Washington State University’s athletic director said the search for a new head coach is a moment of opportunity, as she acknowledges the hurt that comes with suddenly losing a head coach to another school.
Wake Forest announced Wednesday morning it hired Jake Dickert as the new head coach.
Athletic Director Anne McCoy said the first time she spoke to Dickert about the job was at 7:45 Wednesday morning. She said she had “inklings” prior to that.
Shortly after the announcement, Dickert posted a picture of himself and his family on a private plane, with the caption “Headed your way Deacs! See you soon!”
McCoy said she was in the room when Dickert told the team, but she declined to share any information about that interaction.
“A lot of what we’re experiencing now feels like the new world of college athletics and football,” WSU Athletic Director Anne McCoy said, in her first media availability since Dickert’s announcement.
She referenced the timing of the transfer portal opening and the departure of coaches.
“I feel it, to be honest,” McCoy said of the hurt that fans are feeling during this tumultuous time. “I’ve been a Coug for almost 24 years. [Back then], you weren’t wondering if your team was coming back or the timing of the transitions.”
McCoy said that while the search for a new head coach began immediately, her focus is on the team getting that opportunity to play in the post-season.
The Cougs are nine days away from playing Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.
In addition to Dickert’s departure, WSU has lost its offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach. 22 players are in the transfer portal, including quarterback John Mateer.
Earlier Wednesday, she named assistant head coach Pete Kaligis the acting head coach for that game.
McCoy was unequivocal about the Cougs participating in that game.
“We are not pulling out, we are very committed to playing,” McCoy said.
McCoy called the search for a new head coach “an amazing opportunity for change going forward at Washington State University.”
When asked what makes a Coug and would make a good fit for this job, she mentioned everything from someone with heart to someone who sees the job as personal, not transactional.
“This is not for the faint of heart,” she said. She said the ideal coach is someone who is not afraid of a challenge.
McCoy said she had been in touch with Dickert and his representation throughout the season, but that when he came to her about the new job, his mind was already made up.
“I don’t feel a betrayal,” McCoy said. “I’m excited for Jake if he’s excited for this opportunity and I’m excited for us.”
When asked about a timeline for a new coach to be hired, she said the priority is to hire the right person rather than to hire someone quickly.
She said WSU will use a search firm to identify candidates.
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