Washington State Adjusted Personnel After 1-4 Start

The football team has shifted coaching duties and offensive lineups following a slow start to the season.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Football

Washington State Adjusted Personnel After 1-4 Start

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Washington State coaches have initiated offensive personnel changes following a 1-4 start to the season. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore will assume playcalling duties for the upcoming game against Utah State.

Why it matters

The team currently averages only 11.8 points per game, highlighting the need for structural adjustments on the field. Coaching staff are seeking to improve production after a 26-6 loss to Fresno State last weekend.

The Washington State offense has allowed 18 total sacks this season, including a nation-leading 10 sacks attributed to quarterback fault. Running back production has also been limited, with tailbacks recording only five carries during the second half of the Fresno State game.

The players

Kirby Moore

He is a coach at Washington State who is taking over playcalling responsibilities for the upcoming game.

Caden Pinnick

He is the quarterback for Washington State who has struggled with turnovers and sacks throughout the season.

Jonny Lester

He is an offensive lineman who earned a 74.6 run-blocking grade and was moved to left guard in recent lineup changes.

Ashton Tripp

He is an offensive lineman who discussed the team's ongoing struggles with the media.

Maximus McCree

He is an offensive lineman who transferred to Washington State and may receive increased playing time.

The details

Coaches benched Kyle Martin and moved Jonny Lester to left guard to make room for Jaylin Caldwell at right tackle. These shifts follow a season where quarterback Caden Pinnick has thrown an interception in every game while committing six total turnovers.

January 2026: Maximus McCree transferred to Washington State.
Last month: WSU lost to Kansas State.
Last weekend: WSU lost to Fresno State 26-6.
October 7, 2026: Ashton Tripp spoke about offensive struggles.
Friday night: WSU plays Utah State in Logan.

Season Trajectory

These coaching and personnel adjustments indicate a significant effort to salvage the season and alter the current offensive trajectory. With a 1-4 record, the staff must improve production immediately to maintain competitive relevance as conference play continues.

The shift in playcalling duties and offensive line composition suggests a likely change in the offensive scheme for the upcoming game against Utah State. These decisions will directly impact the team's ability to reduce sack totals and increase scoring output compared to their 11.8 points-per-game average.

The takeaway

Staff are prioritizing roster flexibility and new leadership to address the high turnover and sack counts plaguing the offense. Implementing these changes now serves as a final attempt to stabilize performance before the season reaches its midway point.