Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich and four assistant coaches were fired Monday for refusing to comply with a mandate that required all state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It marked the end of a monthslong process during which Rolovich did not explain why he was unwilling to get the vaccine and ultimately sacrificed a $3 million annual salary, which had made him the highest-paid state employee.
While Rolovich's contract ran through 2025, athletic director Pat Chun confirmed Rolovich's departure will be characterized as a for-cause separation due to his inability to meet the requirements outlined in his contract.