Washington State’s Nick Rolovich out as head coach after failing to meet COVID vaccine mandate

Washington State football’s Nick Rolovich and four assistants are out of the program after failing to meet a mandate that required state educational employees to receive the coronavirus vaccine by Oct. 18, the school said.

Rolovich, Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stuzmann and Mark Weber were not in compliance with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation on state employees getting the vaccine, and the sides began the “separation process” based on the terms of their contracts.

“This is a disheartening day for our football program. Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team. The leadership on our football team is filled with young men of character, selflessness and resiliency, and we are confident these same attributes will help guide this program as we move forward,” Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said in a news release.

Washington State President Kirk Schulz added: “While much has been made of the relatively small number of university employees who are not complying with the Governor’s mandate, we are immensely gratified that nearly 90 percent of WSU employees and 97 percent of our students are now vaccinated. WSU students, faculty, and staff understand the importance of getting vaccinated and wearing masks so that we can safely return to in-person learning and activities.”- READ MORE