In a recent appearance on KJR’s weekly segment with hosts Chuck Powell and Bucky Jacobsen, former college football coach Rick Neuheisel expressed his strong interest in the head coaching position at Washington State University (WSU). During the discussion, Neuheisel was directly asked if he was in the running for the role, to which he candidly replied that he had not yet spoken to anyone from the university, although he has engaged with several alumni over the years.
Neuheisel highlighted his long-standing connections with notable Cougars alumni, including legends like Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, and Drew Bledsoe. He emphasized their unwavering passion for WSU, stating, “It’s a badge of honor to be a Coug,” and described the fervor around the university as something special.
Despite not having formal discussions with WSU, Neuheisel did not shy away from his desire to coach again. “I’ve made it clear that I miss coaching,” he acknowledged, expressing his willingness to consider any opportunity that might come his way. He mentioned that the hiring processes often involve search firms and agents, hinting that even without direct communication, it is still likely that his representation could be in contact with the university.
Another intriguing angle that emerged from the conversation was the possibility of Neuheisel and his son Jerry collaborating in a coaching capacity at WSU. Jerry, who recently served as the interim offensive coordinator at UCLA, could potentially work alongside his father if Neuheisel secured the head coaching position. “I’d love to coach with my son,” Neuheisel stated, conveying their shared passion for the sport and a collaborative vision for coaching.
Neuheisel’s enthusiasm for college football was palpable as he reflected on his career and connections. “The clock is ticking,” he remarked, acknowledging his upcoming 65th birthday and the years that have passed since he last coached in 2011. His longing to reclaim a spot on the sidelines is evident.
If Neuheisel were to take the helm at WSU, he would face the challenges of navigating a newly envisioned Pac-12 conference. He expressed excitement about the potential competitiveness within the conference, noting that it features eight schools with similar resource levels, creating a more equitable playing field. Neuheisel compared this to scenarios in other conferences where financial disparities can create significant advantages for certain teams.
“Sounds to me like you’ve got eight schools that all have a chance to coach hard, recruit hard and a chance to win,” he said, emphasizing the appeal of the landscape and the opportunities it presents for building a strong program. With his rich experience and vested interest in WSU, all eyes will be on whether Neuheisel’s coaching aspirations could indeed materialize in the coming weeks.
