Washington State has its new head coach.

The Cougars announced the hiring of Jimmy Rogers from South Dakota State on Saturday, landing one of the most intriguing up-and-coming young coaches from the FCS ranks.

Rogers spent just two seasons as a head coach but led the Jackrabbits to a 15-0 record and FCS national championship in his first season and then a 12-3 mark this season as the team reached the FCS semifinals.

Rogers had been at South Dakota State since 2013, working his way up from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator to ultimately head coach. He now makes the jump to the FBS level while filling the void at Washington State left when former coach Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest earlier this month.

A formal press conference introducing Rogers will be held the week of Jan. 6-10, with more details to follow.

"Throughout the process, it was evident Jimmy embodies the qualities needed to lead our program: character, passion, vision and commitment," Washington State athletic director Anne McCoy said in a statement. "His coaching acumen is extremely high as is his work ethic, and the value he places on mentoring the young men in his program is evident. Jimmy will be a tremendous addition to Washington State University and the Pullman community, and we welcome he, his wife Haley, and their children Reese and Trace into the Cougar family.

"I would also like to share my heartfelt thanks to Pete Kaligis, our football team, and the many coaches and staff who gave this team and all of Cougar Nation such an amazing gift of teamwork, love and spirit with last night's game."

Rogers received the Eddie Robinson Award as the FCS' top head coach in his first season leading South Dakota State.

SDSU led the FCS in 10 different statistical categories on both sides of the ball in 2023, most notably scoring defense (9.3 points per game), total defense (257.2 yards per game), team passing efficiency (174.26) and third-down conversion percentage (.535). The Jackrabbits raised their level of play during their four-game postseason run, outscoring the opposition by a combined 146-15, including posting a pair of shutouts.

Through the end of the regular season this year, the Jackrabbit defense led all FCS schools in scoring defense (12.4 PPG), was fourth in total defense (272.9 YPG) and sixth in rushing defense (90.5 YPG). Offensively, SDSU ranked third in running offense (243.2 YPG), seventh in scoring offense (36.6 PP) and ninth in total offense (441.9 YPG).

"My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to join the Washington State University community and lead Cougar football," Rogers said in a statement. "WSU has a rich and storied football tradition, and we are eager to embark on the next chapter. When Ol' Crimson flies at College GameDay and other sites across the country, it is immediately recognizable because of the brand that Washington State University represents. We are privileged to now represent this brand and are committed to lifting WSU to new heights in this new and exciting landscape of college football. Go Cougs!"