WSU: Search for Bill Moos’ successor will begin ‘immediately’

With the departure of their athletics director, the Washington State Cougars are in the market for a new one. About four hours after Bill Moos’ departure was made public, the university released a statement, saying president Kirk Schulz will lead the search committee and the school will hire an executive search firm to help them find their next athletics director.

“Washington State University has a long and proud athletics tradition,” Schulz said in the release. “Cougar fans are among the most passionate and loyal in all of college sports. We will begin our search immediately to find an athletics director who will drive our program to even greater success both on the field of play and in the classroom.

“I want to thank Bill Moos for his years of service to Washington State University. He has accomplished much and helped bring our program the national prominence it deserves."

Schulz is also expected to name the other members of the search committee tomorrow, and then name the school’s interim athletics director next week. Deputy director of athletics Mike Marlow seems like a strong candidate for the interim tag, though Anne McCoy, also a deputy director, was given the interim tag when Jim Sterk left for San Diego State in 2010.