Cougars fire defensive coordinator, LB coach

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Washington State has fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske and outside linebackers coach Paul Volero after the Cougars finished 3-9 with a loss to Washington in the Apple Cup.

The school confirmed both coaches had been let go by coach Mike Leach on Sunday night. Fox Sports first reported the firings.

The Cougars finished 10th in the Pac-12 in scoring defense and were particularly vulnerable in the secondary. Washington State was 11th in pass defense and often couldn't get the stops to help the offense. The Cougars had only one interception after Sept. 13. It was a significant step back after the defense was a strength during Leach's second season.

Both Breske and Volero had been with Leach since he came to Washington State before the 2012 season. Volero joined Washington State after coaching in high school in Florida. Before that he was an assistant at Central Michigan.