Former University of Washington football coach Rick Neuheisel is being mentioned as a candidate for the vacant coaching position at Washington State University, where previous head coach Jimmy Rogers just left for Iowa State.

While nothing official has been reported about Neuheisel's candidacy, internet sleuths have made the connection between the two sides.

Noted sports media personality and Washington State product, Jim Moore, reports that Neuheisel's son is now following Washington State administration on social media. Moore also wrote for his substack about more signs that point to a possible relationship there.

About Rick Neuheisel

Neuheisel spent 12 years as a head coach between Colorado, Washington and UCLA, however, he hasn't been a head coach since 2011. Lifetime, he is 87-58, and he went 33-16 at Washington over a four-year period from 1999-2002. He has been to eight career bowl games, winning five of them. He went 2-2 in bowl games at UW, winning the Rose Bowl in 2000.

He has served as a longtime sports media personality since his coaching days ended, regularly appearing on CBS Sports.

The family connection 

Neuheisel's son Jerry has been on staff at UCLA and has spent eight years in Southern California. He helped lead UCLA to a win over Penn State this season, serving as the playcaller following a switch-up in UCLA coaching leadership. 

If Rick Neuheisel gets and takes the job at Washington State, it is presumed that Jerry would come with him.

Other candidates for the job

We have not heard much yet publicly about candidates for the Cougars position, but recently, former signal-caller Luke Falk expressed his desire to get the job, citing his love of the university and experience in Pullman, where he was the Pac-12's all-time leading passer.

About the situation for Washington State

As we wrote the other day, the Cougars' athletic department is in a tough spot. They were left behind as the Pac-12 dissolved, and have spent the past two years playing a hodgepodge schedule. The Pac-12 is starting up again next season in a new era, with the Cougars joining forces with Oregon State and several schools from the previous Mountain West.

However, Washington State's days as a power conference school are over, and coaches and players will keep using the program as a stepping stone. Perhaps Neuheisel, who is likely done with his days of program hopping, can help steady the ship. Perhaps he could turn it over to his son in the future.

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