Washington State hired Jimmy Rogers of South Dakota State as its new head coach, the school announced Saturday.
Rogers accepted a five-year deal, according to Washington State.
Rogers, 37, went 27-3 in two seasons as head coach of FCS program South Dakota State. He guided the Jackrabbits to a 15-0 record and the 2023 national championship and went 12-3 in 2024.
“Throughout the process, it was evident Jimmy embodies the qualities needed to lead our program: character, passion, vision and commitment. His coaching acumen is extremely high as is his work ethic, and the value he places on mentoring the young men in his program is evident,” Cougars athletic director Anne McCoy said in a news release. “Jimmy will be a tremendous addition to Washington State University and the Pullman community.”
Rogers replaces Jake Dickert, who recently departed Washington State to take over the Wake Forest program.
“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to join the Washington State University community and lead Cougar football,” Rogers said in the news release. “WSU has a rich and storied football tradition, and we are eager to embark on the next chapter. When Ol’ Crimson flies at College GameDay and other sites across the country, it is immediately recognizable because of the brand that Washington State University represents. We are privileged to now represent this brand and are committed to lifting WSU to new heights in this new and exciting landscape of college football. Go Cougs!”
Rogers played linebacker for South Dakota State from 2006-09 and has spent 13 of his 15 seasons in the coaching profession at the school. He became head coach after the 2022 season when John Stiegelmeier retired after leading the team to the FCS title.
Washington State went 8-5 this season and lost 52-35 to Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night. It was the Cougars’ fourth straight loss following an 8-1 start.
Star quarterback John Mateer entered the transfer portal after the regular season and will play for Oklahoma next season.
–Field Level Media
