Washington State and Mike Leach hired Toledo's Derek Sage as the new inside receivers coach Thursday. The program moved quickly on what will hopefully be the only opening to fill on the coaching staff this offseason. It was announced that JaMarcus Shephard would be leaving the position for Purdue less than three weeks ago.

Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman broke the news on twitter Thursday night about Sage, who has served as the Rockets receivers coach for the past three seasons. Before that, he held the same position at Wyoming and New Hampshire. Feldman pointed out that Sage recruited the prolific Josh Doctson to Wyoming (before he eventually transferred to TCU), and coached under Chip Kelly at UNH.

It will be interesting to see how long Sage will stick around the Palouse. While there will always be movement among assistant coaches, the receivers coach positions have seemingly been a revolving door the past few seasons for WSU. In 2015, Leach hired Shephard and outside receivers coach Dave Nichol after the departures of David Yost and Graham Harrell.

Sage is originally from Nevada, and played college football at Sacramento City College and Cal State Northridge.

*****

Football:

Utahns who made us love sports in 2016 | Deseret News

Luke Falk is just a kid from Logan, Utah, who started his career as a walk-on for the Washington State Cougars.

Isaac Dotson and Peyton Pelluer’s bromance makes them a lethal linebacking duo for WSU Cougars | The Seattle Times

Seattle area natives Isaac Dotson and Peyton Pelluer grew up within driving distance of each other but didn't become friends until they got to WSU. Now, they're inseparable buddies on and off the field, and the Cougars are reaping the benefits

Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner’s successes come with turnovers | The Spokesman-Review

Two years ago Alex Grinch left his job as the safeties coach at Missouri to coordinate the Washington State defense, trading the South and sundresses for the Pacific Northwest rains and the chance to turn around a unit that sorely needed help forcing turnovers.

Golden Gophers ready for Cougars after boycott drama

Minnesota enters its National Funding Holiday Bowl appearance trying to gain ground against Washington State because of the distraction of a recent boycott by the Golden Gophers following the suspension of 10 their teammates.

Holiday Bowl Preview, Prediction: Washington State vs. Minnesota - HERO Sports

Predicting the 2016 Holiday Bowl between Washington State and Minnesota. The Cougars hve the firepower. Can the Gophers stifle Luke Falk and company?

Washington State Cougars arrive today for Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium - 10News.com KGTV ABC10 San Diego

The Washington State football team is scheduled to arrive in San Diego Thursday, one day before Minnesota.