Washington State University has tapped Jimmy Rogers, the highly successful head coach from South Dakota State University (SDSU), to lead its football program. Rogers' appointment follows Jake Dickert's departure for the head coaching position at Wake Forest, marking a significant shift in leadership for the Cougars.
Rogers' tenure at SDSU has been marked by significant achievements, including a national championship victory in 2023. The Jackrabbits recently concluded their season with a loss to North Dakota State in the FCS semifinals, ending a 29-game winning streak against FCS opponents. His prior experience with the team and having been part of the coaching staff since 2013 before becoming head coach in 2023 gives him an inside understanding of the needs to make a successful team.
Rogers steps into a Washington State program that experienced both triumph and upheaval in the past season. The Cougars started strong with an 8-1 record but faced challenges at the end of the regular season. The conference realignment resulted in the departure of key staff members like offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma, along with starting quarterback John Mateer.
Dickert’s time at Washington State ended with a 23-20 record, including a recent Holiday Bowl loss to Syracuse which saw the Cougars end the season at 8-5. Rogers’ new position at WSU is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team as they look to navigate the changing landscape of collegiate football.
