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Washington State Football: 3 fixes to make for 2020 season success

By Michael Hanich

PULLMAN, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 16: Fans for the Washington State Cougars during the game against the Stanford Cardinals at Martin Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeats Stanford 49-22. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 16: Fans for the Washington State Cougars during the game against the Stanford Cardinals at Martin Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeats Stanford 49-22. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Washington State football has undergone a major change in their head coach and its culture. The Cougars have high hopes but much to be ready for in 2020.

Time and time again, the Washington State Cougars have been trying to take the next big step as a consistent program. The Cougars felt that an 11-2 record in 2018 was a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the Cougars took another step back as they finished the 2019 season with a 6-7 (3-6 in Pac-12 play) record.

The Cougars felt great in the post-Gardner Minshew II era where they could rely on the arm of Anthony Gordon. Much like in the past few seasons, the strength of the air-raid passing game could not outweigh the negatives in every other area of the game.

After another disappointing season from the Cougars, head coach Mike Leach decided to make a career change by going to the vacant position with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Looking for a new head coach for the first time since late 2011, the Cougars looked extensively for well-qualified candidates. The Cougars hired former Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich. In the four seasons with Hawaii, Rolovich accumulated a 28-27 record including the past season when the Warriors went 10-5.

Many programs are changing some significance for the upcoming season. The Cougars are a program that will be undergoing a major change in not just the style of the offensive scheme but also a culture change. Having a coach like Leach brings some unorthodox, meme-worthy culture but that doesn’t create a permanent presence on the field.

It will take some time for the Cougars to rebuild but it could ultimately be for the better. Here are three areas for the Cougars to fix in 2020.

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