Washington State leaders cited a specific section of their football coaches' contracts in mid-December and informed members of the Cougars's coaching staff at that time that they would be subjected to mandatory pay cuts, FootballScoop has learned.
According to numerous sources and documents obtained by FootballScoop, Washington State Athletics Director Pat Chun notified football coach Jake Dickert and members of his staff that the reductions were incoming.
On Dec. 14, 2023, Washington State officials submitted mandatorily amended contracts that imposed sliced salaries between 5 and 10 percent.
Per documents viewed by FootballScoop, coaches received individualized but standard written correspondence that contained at least part of the following language:
"In accordance with section 3.1 of your Employment Agreement, this serves as thirty (30) days' written notice of the University's intent to impose a X.X [percentages vary] reduction in your base salary.
"Effective January 15, 2024, your base salary will be (redacted amount).
"This was a difficult decision that was not taken lightly, but necessary given the financial challenges facing our department.
"I appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of Washington State University."
The Cougars face an uncertain future in all sports with the PAC-12's imminent dissolution -- at least in its present iteration.
Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington all are bound for athletics membership in the Big Ten Conference, giving that league bi-coastal representation.
Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are fleeing for the Big 12 Conference.
Cal and Stanford provided the expiring league's final dominoes last September when they finagled membership into the ACC.
The only teams left without new homes for the future were Oregon State and Washington State.
Two separate sources told FootballScoop that Oregon State had not, as of now, imposed cuts upon their football coaches.
The PAC-12 less than two weeks ago revealed its final, worst-kept-secret: that it was terminating its relationship with commissioner George Kliavkoff.
On the gridiron in the coming season, Oregon State and Washington State are set to play a modified schedule with an expanded complement of contests against Mountain West Conference teams.
It's unclear how long this system might last, but Wazzu this year will face the Big 12's Texas Tech and in-state rival and new Big Ten member Washington.
Additionally, the Cougars have contests against MWC teams Utah State, Boise State, Wyoming, Hawaii, Fresno State and New Mexico per the temporary six-game pact; additionally Washington State faces MWC residents San Diego State and San Jose State -- games the school already had under contract before the PAC-12's dissolution.
Washington State will cap spring spring in late April with its annual spring intrasquad srimmage on April 27; the Cougars then open their 2024 season Aug. 31 at home against FCS program Portland State, followed a week later with a home against Texas Tech and then the rivalry tilt against Washington Sept. 14 in Seattle.