Rolovich is interested in the OSU job. Would the former Washington State coach be a good fit?
The Oregon State football coaching search is underway, and several names have been floated as potential candidates for the job. It is early in the process as the coaching carousel continues to spin across college football.
As the search rolls on, barring a major announcement or change in the search dynamics, The Oregonian/OregonLive will examine some of the potential candidates for OSU’s next head coach.
Next up is someone with Pac-12 head coaching experience who, according to a source, is interested in the job:
Nick Rolovich
Current job: Senior offensive assistant, California
Age: 46
Head coaching record: 33-33
Why it works
A sharp offensive mind with a unique personality, Rolovich led his alma mater, Hawaii, to a 10-win season in 2019 before being hired by Washington State.
While his tenure in Pullman ended in scandal back in 2021 after he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds, damaging his public image and resulting in his firing, those around college football still view Rolovich as someone who can be a successful head coach in the right situation. He is widely respected for his ability to innovate, especially on offense.
Rolovich is also known for relating well with players and had recruiting success with the Cougars before his dismissal. He is back on the West Coast as an offensive assistant for Cal, and has deep connections in the region dating back to his time with the Rainbow Warriors.
Rolovich learned under the tutelage of Chris Ault at Nevada, serving as his offensive coordinator, and could bring an exciting offensive style to Corvallis. Plus, his connections could bring in high-level assistant coaches to help build the Beavers back up.
Why it might not work
Rolovich would have to shed the baggage of his departure from Washington State, or at least explain it in such a way that makes the hire palatable to some OSU fans and donors who might question it. While the political temperature has turned down on the vaccination topic since 2021, this is still the state of Oregon we’re talking about.
There is also the football piece: Rolovich was 5-6 overall before getting the axe in Pullman, and that included a home loss to Utah State and blowout loss on the road at USC in 2021. Can he build something more consistent at OSU? It may take time, as it took until his third year at Hawaii to finish above .500.
The Beavers shouldn’t expect someone to waltz into Reser Stadium and flip the program on its head almost immediately — this is a team that just lost to Sam Houston State — but it would have to trust the process with a program-builder like Rolovich. And college football can be highly impatient.
Is he interested in Oregon State?
Yes. A source told The Oregonian/OregonLive this week that Rolovich wants to be a head coach again, and that he is interested in the OSU job.
The fit is intriguing, despite the fact Rolovich hasn’t been a head coach in four years. Is the interest mutual?
As interviews ramp up, perhaps Rolovich will make his way onto the short list of contenders alongside other interested, former coaches like Paul Chryst, who departed Wisconsin in 2022.
Know the other (possible) candidates:
Oregon State (2-8) at Tulsa (2-7)
- When: Saturday, Nov. 15
- Time: 10:00 a.m. PT
- Where: H.A. Chapman Stadium — Tulsa, OK
- TV Channel: None
- Stream: ESPN+
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