Bill Doba

William Anthony "Bill" Doba was born on September 7, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, and grew up in the small town of New Carlisle. From his earliest years, football was more than a game — it was a calling. He played halfback and defensive back at Ball State College in Muncie until a hip injury cut short his playing days, but it only deepened his love for the sport. He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in mathematics in 1962, later adding a master's degree from Western Michigan University in 1969. Doba began coaching high school football in Indiana in 1962 and spent fifteen formative years shaping young men on Friday nights. His tenure at Mishawaka High School (1971–1976) stands as one of the finest in Indiana prep history — a 46-15-1 record and a trip to the 1974 state championship game. He was inducted into the Mishawaka Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1977, Doba entered the college ranks under legendary coach Lee Corso at Indiana University, coaching linebackers for six years before moving to Purdue and then The Citadel. In 1989, he joined Mike Price's staff at Washington State University, and Pullman became home. Promoted to defensive coordinator in 1994, Doba engineered the "Palouse Posse" — one of the most feared defensive units in college football history. His defenses led the nation in total defense and points allowed, and the 2003 WSU defense set a remarkable standard with 48 takeaways and 24 fumble recoveries. When Price departed for Alabama in December 2002, Doba stepped into the head coach role at age 62 and immediately justified the faith placed in him. His 2003 Cougars finished 10-3, defeated No. 5 Texas in the Holiday Bowl, climbed to No. 9 in the national rankings, and earned him co-Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors alongside USC's Pete Carroll. He would go on to win three Apple Cup games before stepping down after the 2007 season. Known for his integrity, his humor, and his deep care for the young men he coached, Doba was a father figure to many players — especially those without strong paternal support at home. He never locked his house or truck in Pullman, content and at ease in a place he truly loved. After leaving WSU, he returned to southwestern Michigan to be near family, spending his final years at Birch Lake near Vandalia. Bill Doba passed away on August 28, 2026, at age 85, just days before his 86th birthday — remembered always as a players' coach, a Cougar legend, and a genuinely good man.