Washington State Football Coaches Face Up to 10 Percent Pay Cuts

Tabatha Wethal Headshot
WSU Cougars logo
WSU Cougars logo

Washington State University has implemented mandatory pay cuts for its coaches, as outlined in their contracts, according to reports. 

According to numerous sources and documents obtained by FootballScoop.com, Washington State athletics director Pat Chun notified football coach Jake Dickert and members of his staff that the salary cuts were coming.

Per documents viewed and reported by FootballScoop, coaches received individualized but standard written correspondence that contained at least part of the following language:

"In accordance with section 3.1 of your Employment Agreement, this serves as thirty (30) days' written notice of the University's intent to impose a X.X [percentages vary] reduction in your base salary.

"Effective January 15, 2024, your base salary will be (redacted amount).

"This was a difficult decision that was not taken lightly, but necessary given the financial challenges facing our department.

"I appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of Washington State University."

The Cougars face an uncertain future in all sports with the changes coming to the Pac-12. Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington are joining the Big Ten Conference. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12.

Cal and Stanford announced in September that they would become members of the ACC.

The only teams left without new homes for the future were Oregon State and Washington State, FootballScoop.com reported.

Two sources told FootballScoop.com that Oregon State had not, as of now, imposed cuts upon their football coaches.

The Pac-12 less than two weeks ago revealed that it was ending its relationship with commissioner George Kliavkoff.

In the coming season, Oregon State and Washington State are set to play a modified schedule with an expanded complement of contests against Mountain West Conference teams.

t's unclear how long the system might last, but Washington State University this year will face the Big 12's Texas Tech and in-state rival and new Big Ten member Washington.

Additionally, the Cougars have contests against MWC teams Utah State, Boise State, Wyoming, Hawaii, Fresno State and New Mexico per the temporary six-game pact; additionally Washington State faces MWC residents San Diego State and San Jose State -- games the school already had under contract before the Pac-12 began dissolving.

Washington State will cap spring in late April with its annual spring intrasquad srimmage on April 27; the Cougars then open their 2024 season Aug. 31 at home against FCS program Portland State, followed a week later with a home against Texas Tech and then the rivalry tilt against Washington Sept. 14 in Seattle. 

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