"New" is the buzzword at Washington State this spring as the Cougars undergo their first massive change in philosophy in more than 20 years.

Paul Wulff was hired away from Eastern Washington last December to replace Bill Doba, bringing with him the first major change in the Cougar offense since Dennis Erickson brought the spread passing attack to Pullman in 1987 (an offense kept by successors Mike Price and Doba).

"We need to teach scheme and teach technique," said Wulff, who plans to implement a wide-open no-huddle attack that will place a premium on quick decision-making by the quarterback.

And the defense will return to a 4-3 look, after Doba installed a 3-4 scheme midway through last season.

"We have new coaches and players trying to get better and learn the system," Wulff said.

The Cougars finished 5-7 under Doba, who resigned under pressure at the end of the season. It was capped by a 42-35 last-minute win at rival Washington.

The Cougars return 14 starters but lost a number of key players, notably QB Alex Brink, who left holding just about every career passing record. So expectations will not be great for next season with the Cougars likely to be picked last in most preseason polls due to the uncertainty of a new coach, quarterback and system.

"It is going to take us a couple of years to get a great feel of exactly where we are," Wulff admitted before spring practice.

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