Nick Rolovich, who lost his job as Washington State’s head coach by refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, was hired by Cal as a senior offensive assistant on Friday.
Rolovich led the Huskies to a 1-3 record in the abbreviated 2020 season, then a 4-3 mark in 2021 before he was fired when he wouldn’t adhere to the state of Washington’s vaccine mandates for state employees.
Rolovich contended he had a religious objection to the vaccine, but the university rejected his explanation. He subsequently filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination, and the case is still pending.
Cal’s school policy requires students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated or opt out by submitting a written statement.
Rolovich, 45, joined the Cougars after a stint as coach at Hawaii from 2016-19, where he produced a 28-27 record and led the Rainbow Warriors to three bowl games.
Since getting fired by Washington State, he served on the coaching staff of the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023.
Cal finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, including a 2-6 mark during its first Atlantic Coast Conference campaign. The Bears will face No. 24 UNLV in the LA Bowl on Wednesday in Inglewood, Calif.