Bill Doba: The Man Behind the Coach | Spokane News

Spokane News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now! · Aug 29, 2026 · 1m

Bill Doba, the beloved former Washington State football coach remembered for his heart as much as his hustle, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by character over stats. Despite leading the Cougars to key wins—including three against rival Washington—his five seasons were shadowed by personal tragedy: the death of his wife from cancer in 2006. Still, he kept coaching, pouring his soul into mentoring players while wrestling grief. Though dismissed in 2007 after three straight non-bowl years (following a contract meeting where he sought help for recruiting), those who knew him say his…