Frustrated by his squad’s performance, Washington State defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys resigned on Friday.
Washington State started 3-0 but lost its first two Pac-12 games, giving up 67 points to UCLA and 38 to Utah.
Against the Bruins on Sept. 21, the Cougars – then ranked 19th in the nation – were up 49-17 with 6:52 remaining in the third quarter and lost 67-63.
“I didn’t resign for health or personal reasons,” Claeys posted on Twitter. “The defense has struggled and I am responsible. We couldn’t agree on solutions so the SPEED D is better with new leadership! I love the players and staff! They will finish strong!”
Linebackers coach Roc Bellantoni and cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath will serve as interim co-defensive coordinators.
“We appreciate Tracy’s efforts the past year and a half and wish him the best going forward,” head coach Mike Leach said in a news release.
Claeys, 50, was in his second season with the Cougars after replacing Alex Grinch, now Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator. He previously was the head coach at Minnesota but was fired after at the end of his first full season amid a conflict between the football program and school administration after 10 players were suspended.
The Golden Gophers were 11-8 under Claeys.
Washington State has a bye this week and meets No. 20 Arizona State on Oct. 12 in Tempe, Ariz.
