Nick Rolovich, a name familiar to college football fans, has made his return to coaching after a three-year hiatus. He is now joining the University of California, Berkeley, as a senior offensive assistant on head coach Justin Wilcox’s staff. Rolovich previously served as the head coach for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Washington State University (WSU), where he made notable contributions with his innovative offensive strategies.
Rolovich’s coaching career came into the spotlight during his time in Hawaii, where he led the Rainbow Warriors to the Mountain West Conference championship game in 2019. His teams were known for their dynamic run-and-shoot and spread offenses, often employing the pistol formation to keep defenses guessing. His approach to the game excited fans and brought a unique flavor to the programs he led.
The official announcement of Rolovich’s hiring at Cal was made on a Friday earlier this month. This marks a significant step in his career as he returns to the football field, especially after the controversies that led to his departure from WSU. Rolovich, along with four assistant coaches, was dismissed from the university in 2021 due to his refusal to comply with a state mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for state employees. He maintained that the mandate was in conflict with his religious beliefs.
Following his termination, Rolovich filed a lawsuit against Washington State University, its former athletic director Patrick Chun, and the state governor Jay Inslee for wrongful termination. A federal judge recently ruled that while Rolovich could not pursue charges against Chun or Inslee, his case against WSU could move forward. The trial was initially set for December but has since been put on hold as both parties sought a resolution without going to trial. A hearing on the matter is still pending.
During his short stint at WSU, which spanned 11 games over the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Rolovich accrued a record of 5 wins and 6 losses. His previous tenure at Hawaii was more fruitful; he held a record of 28 wins and 27 losses, including three Hawaii Bowl appearances, showcasing his ability to lead teams to bowl games.
After leaving WSU, Rolovich took on roles outside of FBS football, including volunteering at San Marin High School in Novato, California. He also served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL, although the team was dissolved due to a merger with the USFL. Rumors circulated about potential coaching opportunities elsewhere, but Rolovich did not interview for a head coaching position at Rice University, despite initial interest.
Interestingly, Rolovich’s hiring at Cal follows that of Bryan Harsin, another former FBS head coach, who was brought in as the offensive coordinator for the Bears. Harsin previously coached at Auburn and Boise State, making him a notable addition to Wilcox’s staff.
Rolovich, a native of the Bay Area, returns to California with the intent to reinvigorate his coaching career. His familiarity with offensive strategies and a track record of developing high-scoring teams could provide a boost to the Cal football program, which has been on the lookout for innovative ideas to improve its performance on the field.
As Rolovich steps back into the limelight, many in the college football community are interested to see how he will apply his experience and knowledge of the game in this new position. The challenges he has faced off the field may also serve as motivation for a fresh start in coaching, bringing renewed energy to his work at Cal.
While the road ahead is still full of uncertainties as the legal matters continue, Rolovich appears ready to focus on football and help the Golden Bears strive for success in a competitive Pac-12 landscape. His return will be closely monitored by fans, analysts, and players alike, eager to see how he navigates this new chapter in his coaching career.
