Washington State Fires Athletic Director Anne McCoy, Seeks New Leadership

Washington State University (WSU) announced the dismissal of athletic director Anne McCoy on Wednesday afternoon, a decision that surprised many observers. While the termination itself was not entirely unexpected, the timing raised eyebrows, given that McCoy had only been in the role for 17 months. This change in leadership aligns with the vision of WSU’s new president, Elizabeth Cantwell, who is known for her ambitious approach to collegiate athletics.

McCoy’s tenure was marked by challenges, particularly in fundraising, which had not met expectations. Her legacy will largely depend on the performance of the football program under head coach Jimmy Rogers. If Rogers achieves consistent success, McCoy’s time at WSU may be viewed more favorably, despite the current issues facing the athletic department.

Cantwell’s decision to part ways with McCoy signals her intent to elevate WSU’s athletic programs during a time when the landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving due to revenue sharing agreements, name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and conference realignments. Having been instrumental in Utah State’s transition to the new Pac-12, Cantwell is poised to take a similar approach at WSU, focusing on football and men’s basketball as key areas for development.

Identifying McCoy’s Successor

As WSU begins the search for McCoy’s replacement, it is anticipated that the university will hire a search firm to facilitate the process. While such firms provide valuable guidance, it is crucial for Cantwell to engage with former WSU athletic officials to identify candidates who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

Three potential candidates have been suggested based on their experience and connections to WSU:

– Jim Sterk: Previously served as WSU’s athletic director and currently leads the athletic department at Western Washington University.
– Mike Marlow: Recently retired from his position as athletic director at Northern Arizona, Marlow is a WSU alumnus who previously worked as deputy athletic director under Bill Moos.
– JD Wicker: Currently at San Diego State, Wicker spent a decade at WSU and has a strong understanding of the university’s culture and needs.

In addition to these names, Cantwell may seek advice from Diana Sabau, her former colleague at Utah State, who is now the senior deputy athletic director at Maryland. While Sabau’s interest in the WSU position remains uncertain, her insights could be valuable given her extensive experience in collegiate athletics.

Expanding the Candidate Pool

It is essential for WSU to consider candidates beyond those with direct ties to the university. The ability to galvanize donors is a critical factor in the search for a new athletic director. Previous success stories, such as Pat Chun, who raised significant funds after arriving from Florida Atlantic in 2018, illustrate the importance of leadership that can inspire financial support.

Candidates to consider include:

– Bryan Blair: The athletic director at Toledo, Blair previously served as WSU’s deputy athletic director and is recognized for his fundraising capabilities. His experience in the competitive environment of the revamped Pac-12 makes him a strong contender.
– Ken Halpin: Currently the deputy athletic director at Purdue, Halpin has a solid educational background with degrees from Gonzaga and WSU, alongside experience running an athletic department at Winthrop.
– Scott Wetherbee: As the athletic director at Eastern Michigan, Wetherbee has extensive experience in the West Coast and has successfully raised over $30 million for capital projects, which could translate well to WSU’s needs.

Regardless of the direction taken, WSU finds itself in a favorable position with a president determined to enhance the university’s athletic success. The search for a new athletic director will be pivotal in shaping the future of WSU athletics and ensuring that the university remains competitive in an ever-changing collegiate landscape.