PULLMAN, Wash – Washington State University confirmed Wednesday afternoon it’s parting ways with Athletic Director Anne McCoy.
The Seattle Times was first to report the news Wednesday afternoon. ESPN reporter Pete Thamel also posted on X that he confirmed the news, saying WSU fired McCoy.
WSU’s release doesn’t confirm if she left on her own or was fired, saying only “she will no longer serve in the role.”
WSU hired McCoy for the position in 2024. She worked for WSU beginning in 2001. She served as interim AD from March to June of 2024 before being named to the position.
She was the university’s 15th athletic director and the first woman to hold the position.
McCoy replaced Pat Chun, who left WSU in 2024 for the same position at the University of Washington.
“Anne has provided steady leadership through one of the most complex and pivotal periods in the history of Cougar Athletics,” said WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell. “She built a strong foundation for the program’s future grounded in integrity, academic success, and care for our student-athletes. We are deeply grateful for Anne’s decades of service and her unwavering commitment to Washington State University.”
President Cantwell only recently took over as WSU President. Now, she says there’s a nationwide search underway for McCoy’s replacement.
Jon Haarlow, the chief operating officer for athletics, will serve as the interim athletic director.
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