Rolovich introduced as Washington State coach
On Wednesday night, Nick Rolovich bid aloha to the islands.
On Thursday, he said hello to Pullman, Wash.
Rolovich was officially introduced as the new head football coach at Washington State on Thursday, and the former University of Hawaii coach struck all the right chords during his first news conference.
“Two words: Apple Cup,” Rolovich was asked.
“Three numbers: 317,” the coach quickly answered. “That’s how many days until we get to play it.”
Rolovich ended up actually being off by a day. The rivalry matchup with Washington is actually 316 days from Thursday with the Apple Cup being played on Nov. 27 this year.
But his point was made.
The night before, Rolovich posted a message on social media thanking UH and the Rainbow Warriors’ fans.
“Hawaii is a special place to me,” the former Warriors quarterback wrote. “It is where I met my wife and raised my family. It gave me an opportunity as a player, as a young coach, as a head coach, and I loved every minute of being a part of something so special.”
Rolovich led a resurgence of the Rainbow Warriors program, leading it to bowl games in three of his four years as head coach. This season, he guided UH (10-5) to its first Mountain West Conference West Division title.
“Every victory was special and only possible with the tremendous dedication from so many people throughout the program and fan base,” Rolovich wrote. “I cherish each win, bowl game and milestone we reached together. I am so proud of every young Simba who contributed to bringing Pride Rock back and wish continued success to everyone in the Hawaii family.”
During his introduction as Mike Leach’s replacement, the 40-year-old Rolovich made mention of past standout coaches at Wazzu. He spoke glowingly of the culture and community of the university as one of the big reasons why he left behind his alma mater for the chance to be a head coach in the Pac-12.
And he made clear that recruiting the top in-state talent and getting the best of rival Washington are near the top of his priority list.
“Recruiting, starting here in this state and the Northwest and after that there’s a bunch of other places,” Rolovich said. “But we’re looking for young men that are attracted to the values that this university can provide them.”
Rolovich said the university leadership, the school’s football history and the Washington State community were all deciding factors in taking the job.
There’s also the chance for Rolovich to test himself as a coach and see if his system that helped turn around Hawaii can work in the Pac-12.
When Rolovich made the decision to go to a run-andshoot offense at Hawaii, he spent time with Leach to see what pieces of the “Air Raid” could be used in the system
Rolovich wanted to run. Rolovich said he has not had a chance to speak with Leach after the chaos of the past few days.
Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said he spoke with Leach during the search and Leach recommended Rolovich as his replacement.
“I know how busy he is, and for him to make the time with his busy schedule to make crystal clear with me how great this group of young men is upstairs, (and) how this is the person he would pick to take over this program, he made that clear as day to me,” Chun said.