The Rise and Fall of College Athletics: A Memoir by Bill Moos

Bill Moos, a legendary figure in college athletics, is facing a harsh reality as he watches the landscape of college sports change before his eyes. With a career spanning over three decades, Moos has left an indelible mark on the programs he has led, from Montana to Oregon to Washington State University.

Returning to Pullman in 2010, Moos oversaw a massive facilities upgrade and hired the late Mike Leach as the football coach, leading WSU to new heights. However, the recent disintegration of the Pac-12 Conference, with Oregon and Washington leaving for the Big Ten, has left WSU and Oregon State in a precarious position.

Moos, a staunch traditionalist in the world of college athletics, is troubled by the current state of the game. With players now able to transfer freely and profit from their name, image, and likeness, Moos believes the essence of college sports is being eroded.

Reflecting on his career, Moos recalls the challenges and triumphs of building successful programs through strategic facilities upgrades and recruiting efforts. However, the financial disparities and commercialization of college sports have created a new reality that Moos finds disheartening.

As WSU faces an uncertain future, Moos advocates for a move to the Big 12 Conference as a potential path forward. With the college sports landscape in flux, Moos finds solace in his ranch in Valleyford, reflecting on the purity and camaraderie of his early days in college athletics.

As he navigates the uncertain future of college sports, Moos remains a steadfast advocate for the values of teamwork, integrity, and the true spirit of amateur athletics. Despite the challenges ahead, Moos’s legacy as a leader in college athletics is undeniable, and his passion for the game remains unwavering.