After former offensive coordinator (OC) Ian Kolste’s sudden departure to the NFL last spring, it appeared that Whitworth would be without a key piece to the formula that led to a 10-1 season and Northwest Conference (NWC) Title in 2023.
However, even with the additional losses of their offensive line and wide receiver coaches, the Pirates are poised to compete again for the NWC crown. This is thanks to the contingent of older, experienced players on the offense and a host of returning starters on the defensive side of the ball.
The Baltimore Ravens’ hiring of Kolste to their staff left fifth-year seniors such as quarterback Ryan Blair and Evan Liggett in limbo. They had committed to playing another season with the Pirates, expecting the popular OC to be on the sidelines and call plays. The team was informed at an emergency meeting that Kolste would not be returning for the 2024 season after spring ball had already concluded.
“It was pretty hard. He was the highest IQ coach I’ve ever worked with,” said Liggett. “A guy I could go to for any question.”
Head Coach Rod Sandberg promised the players that although Kolste himself was gone, his familiar offensive scheme would remain, no matter who was hired in for the 2024 season. Bryce Missey was brought in from Bethel University in Tennessee as the quarterback coach. He was then promoted to offensive coordinator just weeks after arriving in Spokane.
Missey has been learning on the job, having never served as a coordinator before. He’s been getting to know his players and assistant coaches, as well as the scheme he’s running, all at the same time.
“It was a really, really incredible challenge,” said Sandberg. “And he’s done an amazing job.”
Missey credits the players and culture established at Whitworth as a large reason for the success they have experienced so far. One of those players is quarterback Ryan Blair, who has dealt with his own fair share of adversity. Blair suffered a season-ending injury that cut his 2022 campaign short, and he served mostly as the backup in 2023.
“Just wanting the team to succeed is all I wanted,” said Blair. “…If the team is winning, anyway that I can help is my philosophy.”
As the undisputed starter in 2024, Blair has been exceptional. Through five games, he leads the conference in touchdowns (20), is second in yards (1,347), and has thrown only one interception. More than that, his leadership and preparation have raised the floor for a team continuously looking to stack wins by playing up to their own standards and not down to their opponent’s.
Credit the coaching staff for instilling confidence in their players by re-committing to the processes familiar to its veteran leaders despite the recent turnover. The Pirates were looking ready for the challenge of a tough conference slate, with a Nov. 16 home matchup against rival Linfield to close out the schedule looming large in what should be a raucous home environment with playoff implications.
