Washington State University Director of Athletics Anne McCoy announced that Jimmy Rogers has been named the Cougars' Head Football Coach. Rogers agreed in principle to a five-year contract in becoming the 35th head football coach in program history.

A formal press conference introducing Rogers will be held the week of Jan. 6-10, with more details to follow.

"Throughout the process, it was evident Jimmy embodies the qualities needed to lead our program: character, passion, vision and commitment. His coaching acumen is extremely high as is his work ethic, and the value he places on mentoring the young men in his program is evident. Jimmy will be a tremendous addition to Washington State University and the Pullman community, and we welcome he, his wife Haley, and their children Reese and Trace into the Cougar family.

"I would also like to share my heartfelt thanks to Pete Kaligis, our football team, and the many coaches and staff who gave this team and all of Cougar Nation such an amazing gift of teamwork, love and spirit with last night's game," McCoy added.

Rogers arrives at WSU having spent the last 12 years at South Dakota State University, the past two as head coach. In those two years, he guided SDSU to a 27-3 record, led the Jackrabbits to the 2023 FCS Championship and reached the FCS semifinals this past season.

"My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to join the Washington State University community and lead Cougar football," said Rogers. "WSU has a rich and storied football tradition, and we are eager to embark on the next chapter. When Ol' Crimson flies at College GameDay and other sites across the country, it is immediately recognizable because of the brand that Washington State University represents. We are privileged to now represent this brand and are committed to lifting WSU to new heights in this new and exciting landscape of college football. Go Cougs!"

In 2024, Rogers led the Jackrabbits to a 12-2 overall record, including a semifinal showing in the 2024 FCS Championship. By earning a share of the 2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference title, SDSU secured three-consecutive league titles for the first time since 1961-63. Through the end of the regular season, the Jackrabbit defense led all FCS schools in scoring defense (12.4 ppg), was fourth in total defense (272.9 ypg) and sixth in rushing defense (90.5 ypg). Offensively, SDSU ranked first in sacks allowed (0.5 pg) and tackles for loss allowed (2.58 pg), while being ranked third in running offense (243.2 ypg), seventh in scoring offense (36.6 ppg) and ninth in total offense (441.9 ypg).

In his first season as a head coach, Rogers led the Jackrabbits to their second consecutive Football Championship Subdivision national title and finished the 2023 campaign with a perfect 15-0 record. SDSU held the top spot in both major FCS polls throughout the 2023 season and carried a 29-game winning streak — the third-longest winning streak in subdivision history — into his second season. He became the second SDSU head coach in as many years to be honored with the Eddie Robinson Award as the top FCS coach, joining his mentor, John Stiegelmeier, in 2022.

SDSU led the FCS ranks in 10 different statistical categories on both sides of the ball in 2023, most notably scoring defense (9.3 points per game), total defense (257.2 yards per game), team passing efficiency (174.26) and third-down conversion percentage (.535). The Jackrabbits raised their level of play during their four-game postseason run, outscoring the opposition by a combined 146-15, including posting a pair of shutouts.

Six members of the 2023 team were honored on All-America teams, including Walter Payton Award winner Mark Gronowski at quarterback. In addition, a total of eight players were either drafted or signed free agent NFL contracts.

Rogers also played an integral role in the Jackrabbits winning their first national title in football during the 2022 season by directing a defense that led the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing defense by allowing only 88.1 yards per game. SDSU tied for the FCS lead with 18 interceptions and also ranked second in total defense (274.1 ypg), third in scoring defense (15.8 ppg) and fourth in turnovers gained (26).

The Jackrabbits finished the 2022 season on a 14-game winning streak and held the No. 1 ranking in both the Stats Perform media poll and FCS coaches' poll the final two months of the year. Rogers was honored as the 2022 FCS Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com, and also was selected to participate in the AFCA's 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.

A former standout defensive player for South Dakota State, Rogers returned to his alma mater prior to the 2013 season to coach the linebackers. The 2022 campaign marked his first, and only, season as the team's sole defensive coordinator after sharing the role for three seasons. He previously was elevated to assistant head coach after the 2019 campaign.

A native of Hamilton, Arizona, Rogers served as a graduate assistant at Florida Atlantic University, spending the 2012 season as an offensive graduate assistant, working with the offensive line. In the spring of 2013, he transitioned back to the defensive side and worked with the team's linebackers.

Immediately after his collegiate playing career ended, Rogers spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at South Dakota State, working with the team's defensive backs in 2010 and linebackers in 2011. He also assisted with the special teams units both seasons.

As a player, Rogers lettered for the Jackrabbits from 2006-09 and was a two-time all-conference selection. He led both the team and the Great West Football Conference with 110 tackles in 2007 as South Dakota State claimed the league title and Rogers was a first-team all-GWFC selection. He again led the squad in tackles in 2008 with 93 en route to earning second-team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. He was a captain on the Jackrabbits' first FCS playoff team in 2009, recording 66 tackles his senior season to finish his four-year career with 312 stops in 46 games. He also intercepted three passes and forced three fumbles in an SDSU uniform.

Rogers and his wife, Haley, have two children, daughter, Reese and son, Trace.