Washington State Football: Ken Wilson From Nevada Named LB’s Coach

Nov. 10, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach looks on against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Washington State has finally, officially rounded out its’ coaching staff by hiring former Nevada assistant and linebackers coach Ken Wilson. Wilson also served at Nevada as a defensive coordinator for a total of 3 seasons and was instrumental in helping Nevada to 9 conference championships and 11 bowl games in his 13 seasons on the sidelines. He spent 23 overall seasons at Nevada, including 19 as part of the Wolfpack coaching staff.

Wilson also has an extensive relationship with Cougar running backs coach Jim Mastro, who coached at Nevada before coming over last season. The two worked for 7 seasons together in Reno.

The move solidifies the winning pedigree of personnel that head coach Mike Leach sought to bring in this winter. With the David Yost hire, the extensive winning numbers of the recruits that came into the program and now coach Wilson, there’s no question WSU is in a time of philosophical transition. This of course goes beyond the personnel itself and leads to a positive, winning mindset throughout the program.

Some people may be disappointed by the name, hearing not too long ago that the names being considered for the coaching vacancies would be big names. Regardless of how “big” Wilson’s name is, he is a solid hire and will help Breske’s defense in a very positive way. To see the list and accomplishment of players he helped put into the NFL directly, look at WSU’s official site through this link.

Go Cougs!