HCA: Who will be WSU’s next defensive coordinator?

You don’t get much quieter than WSU’s ongoing search for a permanent defensive coordinator. With absolutely no scuttlebutt to speak of from the likes of FootballScoop we might as well engage in some speculation for fun. I have four candidates to keep an eye based on pure conjecture.

Rocky Long: The successful San Diego State coach has been relieved of his duties after apparently clashing with the athletic director amid rumors of shopping himself as a Power 5 DC. Long seems to be a fit with a Mike Leach coached team with an aggressive game plan defensively. He has been very successful over the years with his unique 3-3-5 defense. Long had previous Pac-12 stints as a defensive coordinator at Oregon State and UCLA in the 90s. He has most recently had successful head coach stints at New Mexico and San Deigo State. This hire would be a coup for WSU in my opinion, but also may not be affordable.

Clancy Pendergast: Another rumored candidate during the Grinch search Pendergast has had several high profile coordinator gigs including the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He was recently let go by USC as their coordinator after a not as successful second stint with the Trojans. He also had a nice run as Cal’s defensive coordinator from 2010-13. Pendergast runs a 5-2 alignment that is similar to a 3-4 defense.

Bob Gregory: Jason Puckett of KJR put this name out as an idea a week or so ago. Assistant Head Coach at Washington who is a WSU and Gonzaga Prep alumni. Gregory has had previous success at Cal as a defensive coordinator and obviously could lend a hand on in-state recruiting.

Gerald Alexander: Another assistant from the two Pac-12 teams that have given the Air Raid the most trouble. Alexander is the defensive backs coach at Cal and is considered one of the best up and coming young coaches in college football.

So there is some names to think about. Honestly though it will probably someone we have never heard of ala Grinch.

Football

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Basketball

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