Former WSU football coach Bill Doba dies at age 85

2 sources1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 3:07 AM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

Former WSU football coach Bill Doba dies at age 85
Summary

Bill Doba, who served as head coach of the Washington State Cougars, has passed away at 85. Doba's coaching career lasted 19 seasons, culminating in his role as head coach starting in 2003. He led the Cougars to significant successes, including a share of the Pac-10 title in 1997 and 2002, and the team's first Rose Bowl appearances in 67 years. Doba's coaching achievements also included a memorable 28-20 victory over #5 Texas in the 2003 Holiday Bowl and consecutive Apple Cup wins from 2004 to 2007. His tenure as head coach concluded with a record of 30-29. The university community remembers Doba for his contributions to the program.

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  • Doba coached WSU for 19 seasons in various roles.
  • He was head coach from 2003 to 2007, finishing with a 30-29 record.
  • Doba led WSU to two Rose Bowl appearances and a Holiday Bowl win.
  • The Cougars enjoyed Apple Cup victories under his leadership in 2004, 2005, and 2007.
Latest Updates
  • 3:07 AMYahoo SportsFormer Pac-10 coach of the year dies at 85
  • 9:42 PMYahoo SportsFormer WSU Football Coach Bill Doba dies at 85
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Former Washington State Cougars football coach Bill Doba has died at the age of 85. Doba spent 19 seasons coaching the Cougars, serving as a linebackers coach, assistant head coach, and defensive coordinator before eventually taking over as the head coach in 2003. Doba helped captain some of the greatest defenses in program history, including […]

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Bill Doba spent five decades coaching college football, including the last 19 at Washington State.

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