Ricky Ciccone: Inside the Role of WSU Football's General Manager

Washington State University football has been on a path of transformation, and at the heart of the future of WSU football is Ricky Ciccone, the team's General Manager. From his roots in Ohio to his current role on the Palouse, Ricky brings a wealth of experience, passion, and insight into what it takes to build and maintain a competitive college football program. This article delves deep into Ricky’s journey, his responsibilities, and his vision for Cougar football, providing a comprehensive look at the man behind the scenes orchestrating much of the team’s success.

From Ohio to the Palouse: Ricky Ciccone’s Football Journey

Ricky Ciccone’s football story begins in Ohio, where he was born and raised. His college playing days were spent at Mount Union, an institution synonymous with Division III football excellence. Under the legendary coach Larry Kehres, Ricky enjoyed tremendous success, including winning two national championships as a player and another as a staff member in 2005.

Reflecting on his time at Mount Union, Ricky emphasizes the importance of preparation and seizing opportunities. “You never know when they’re going to come or how many you’ll get,” he notes. “If you're not ready for the moment, you may not get another one.” This philosophy, instilled early in his career, has influenced his approach to building football programs and working with players.

After his playing days, Ricky transitioned into coaching and teaching, working at various levels throughout Ohio, including Ohio Dominican. In December 2015, he joined the University of Toledo after Jason Candle was named head coach. There, Ricky served in multiple capacities, primarily as the Director of Player Personnel, a role focused on recruiting, player evaluation, and roster management.

In April 2023, Ricky made the move to the University of Louisiana as Director of Player Personnel for two seasons before accepting the General Manager position at Washington State in January. This progression reflects a steady rise through the ranks, with each step deepening his expertise in personnel management and recruitment strategy.

Understanding the Role: General Manager vs. Director of Player Personnel

Many may wonder how the role of a General Manager differs from that of a Director of Player Personnel, especially in college football. Ricky explains that while job titles may vary across programs, the core responsibilities often overlap.

“It really depends on the program and the head coach,” Ricky says. “At my last stop, I didn’t have the title of General Manager yet, but I was doing very similar work—player evaluation, recruitment coordination, identifying needs, and building a competitive roster.”

What has evolved in recent years is the complexity of the role. With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, collectives, revenue sharing, and the presence of agents representing players, the General Manager’s responsibilities have expanded beyond traditional recruiting and roster construction.

Ricky now also manages Washington State’s salary cap and works closely with administration on financial aspects related to player compensation and retention. Despite these new challenges, he emphasizes that relationships remain at the core of his work.

“It’s still about recruiting, retaining, and developing players who are a good fit for the program. That’s the sustainable model we believe in here,”

This philosophy drives Washington State’s approach to building a roster that can compete at the highest levels of college football.

Lessons from a Legend: The Mount Union Influence

Ricky’s formative years under Coach Larry Caris, the all-time winningest coach in college football history by winning percentage, have left an indelible mark on his coaching and management style. The attention to preparation, detail, and competition within every position group was paramount.

“The best players played,” Ricky recalls. “You had to come prepared every day because there was great competition.”

Mount Union’s offense evolved during his time there, shifting from a two-back offense to more diverse formations by 2005. This adaptability and willingness to use the talents of available players rather than fitting them into a rigid system is a principle Ricky carries with him.

Moreover, the network of coaches and players he worked with at Mount Union reads like a who’s who of football coaching talent, including:

• Vince Kehres – Defensive Coordinator at University of Toledo
• Jason Candle – Head Coach at University of Toledo
• Matt Campbell – Head Coach at Iowa State
• Nick Sirianni – Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
• Tom Manning – Tight Ends Coach for the Indianapolis Colts

These connections and experiences provided Ricky with a solid foundation in personnel-driven football, which emphasizes building a team around the right players and tailoring strategies accordingly.

Joining Washington State: A Midwest Connection and a Quick Transition

Ricky’s arrival at Washington State was facilitated through a connection with the Cougs’ special teams coordinator, Pat Cashmore, with whom he worked at Toledo. The quick hiring process—accepting the job within days—highlighted Ricky’s excitement and readiness for the challenge.

He credits his family, especially his wife, for their support during the rapid move to Pullman with three kids in tow. Adjusting to a new environment and a new program, Ricky describes his time at Washington State so far as a “sprint,” typical of college football’s demanding and fast-paced nature.

A Day in the Life of a General Manager at WSU

Ricky’s day-to-day duties are “all-encompassing,” requiring a balance between recruiting, retention, and administrative tasks. His schedule includes:

• Retention meetings with current players to maintain transparent and honest communication
• Continuous evaluation of high school prospects to ensure they fit the program’s culture and needs
• Managing transfer portal activity to bring in experienced players who add depth and competition
• Supporting Head Coach Jimmy Rogers in various capacities
• Collaborating with university administration on compliance, NIL, and fundraising efforts

Recruiting remains the lifeblood of the program, and Ricky emphasizes the importance of due diligence and finding the right fit for the team’s culture. The transfer portal, in particular, has been a focal point for building competitive depth across the roster.

Evaluating Early Progress: A Grade for the First Months

Given the timing of his arrival—January 10th, shortly after the transfer application deadline—Ricky inherited a roster and recruiting class in flux. Despite these challenges, he believes the staff has done a solid job in retention and roster building.

“I’d probably give us a B right now,” he says, adding that the real test will come once pads go on and the team enters full training camp. The staff focused on creating competition and balancing the roster, successfully signing players who followed Coach Rogers from South Dakota State and addressing positional needs.

Quarterback Transfers: Building a Competitive Room

One of the most talked-about moves has been the addition of two transfer quarterbacks. Coach Rogers made it clear that Washington State is about competitive football, not a “YMCA,” and Ricky explains the process behind identifying and recruiting these players.

The key criteria were fit—both cultural and football-wise—and character. “It’s really like speed dating,” he jokes, noting the importance of getting to know the players quickly to assess if they align with the program’s values.

Both quarterbacks bring different skill sets and class years, adding agility and playmaking ability to the room. Importantly, they complement the existing quarterbacks, creating a competitive environment that pushes all players to improve.

The Polynesian Pipeline: Honoring Tradition and Building the Future

Washington State has a rich history of recruiting Polynesian players, dating back to legends like Jack Thompson and Frankie Luvu. Ricky and the coaching staff are committed to revitalizing and strengthening this pipeline.

He highlights the importance of relationships, trust, and communication in connecting with Polynesian prospects. Players like Everett Thompson and Mike Iupati exemplify this renewed commitment to honoring tradition while fostering a supportive culture.

“It really starts with relationships and open dialogue,” Ricky says. “These guys are great communicators who care deeply about young people and their success.” This approach ensures that recruits and transfers not only fit on the field but also thrive off it.

Working with the Cougar Collective: Collaboration and Support

The Cougar Collective plays a vital role in supporting WSU athletes through NIL and other resources. Ricky describes the relationship as collaborative and built on mutual respect and trust.

Despite the Collective’s volunteers working pro bono, their dedication and passion for Cougar football are profound. Regular meetings and open lines of communication help ensure that players receive the financial and professional support they need.

Ricky credits the Collective for their responsiveness and willingness to connect the staff with key resources, making the transition smoother for a staff new to Pullman.

Comparing Roles: How WSU’s GM Role Stands Out

When asked how his role differs from similar jobs at other programs, Ricky is candid. Titles and responsibilities vary widely across college football, and much depends on the institution and coaching staff.

He shares an insightful anecdote from a former GM at Toledo, who noted that ascending to the GM role sometimes distances one from the core focus: the players.

“It’s always about players—recruiting, retention, and acquisition to create the best roster possible,”

For Ricky, this remains the guiding principle despite the administrative complexities that come with the job, from compliance to NIL to fundraising.

Looking Ahead: WSU vs. Toledo and Future Prospects

Washington State’s upcoming matchup against Toledo holds particular significance for Ricky, who has deep ties to the Rockets’ program. Though he is a couple of years removed from Toledo, he maintains respect and friendships there.

Ricky anticipates a tough game against a talented Toledo squad that emphasizes strong defense, particularly run-stopping, and explosive offensive plays. He acknowledges the challenge but stresses the importance of focusing on preparing the Cougs to be competitive.

“We’ve got to do what we can here in the summer months to put ourselves in a position to be competitive throughout training camp and the season,” he says.

Conclusion: Building a Competitive and Sustainable WSU Football Program

Ricky Ciccone’s journey from Ohio to Washington State reflects a deep commitment to football, relationships, and player development. His role as General Manager encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from recruitment and retention to managing NIL and salary cap issues.

At its core, Ricky’s work is about people—finding the right players, supporting them on and off the field, and building a culture of competition and success. With his experience, philosophy, and collaborative approach, Washington State football is positioned to continue its upward trajectory, honoring tradition while embracing modern challenges.

As the Cougars prepare for the upcoming season, fans can be confident that behind the scenes, Ricky Ciccone is working tirelessly to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level. Coupled with Head Coach Jimmy Rogers and a dedicated staff, the future looks bright in Pullman.

Go Cougs!