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Nick Rolovich, along with several assistant coaches, has been let go.

Currently, Washington requires all state, health care and school employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the interest of public pandemic safety. Naturally, this extends to employees of Washington State University, including the teachers and athletic faculty. The deadline to receive at least one shot passed yesterday, but unfortunately, several prominent members of the athletics faculty remain unvaccinated.

Nick Rolovich The head coach of the Washington State football team, the Cougars, has repeatedly refused to be vaccinated, simply citing “reasons that will remain private” as to why. As such, both Rolovich and several of his assistant coaches, including Defensive tackles coach Ricky Logo, assistant head coach and cornerback coach John Richardson, co-offensive coordinate and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann and offensive line coach Mark Weber, have all been fired from the program.

“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,” athletic director Pat Chun said in a statement reported by CBS Sports. “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.”

Breaking: Nick Rolovich is out as the Washington State football coach after refusing to become vaccinated for COVID-19, a requirement for all state employees.

First reported by The Oregonian and confirmed by ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qXu21pAY4u

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 19, 2021

Rolovich previously announced his intent to receive an exemption from vaccination on religious grounds, though apparently that exemption was not granted. “I don’t think this is in my hands,” Rolovich said Saturday in regards to the exemption appeal. “I’ve been settled for a long time on it, and I believe it’s going to work out the right way.”

Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert will take over the head coach role for the time being.