Rolovich v. Washington State University
Case Snapshot
Nick Rolovich is a college football coach and practicing Catholic. He served as head coach of the Washington State University (WSU) Cougars for nearly two seasons, where he earned respect for his leadership, work ethic, and commitment to his players both on and off the field. In 2021, however, WSU discredited Coach Rolovich’s request for a religious exemption from a state COVID-19 vaccine mandate, choosing to fire him rather than accommodate his religious practice. The firing was a result of pre-meditated efforts by the university to oust Rolovich over his stance on the pandemic.
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Case Summary
A Man of Faith and Football
Football has been a part of Nick Rolovich’s life for decades. In college, he played quarterback at the University of Hawaii, where he commanded a high-powered offense and led his team to a winning record during the 2001 season. After graduation, Rolovich began coaching and quickly built a reputation for his unique “run and shoot” offensive system. In 2020, he was named head coach of the Washington State Cougars, stepping into the role just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted college athletics.
In August of 2021, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a vaccine mandate for all state employees, including WSU staff. That summer, Coach Rolovich discerned that taking the vaccine would violate his conscience as guided by his Catholic faith. Rolovich drew upon Scripture, prayer, personal study, advice from a priest, and the teachings of the Church to conclude that he could not receive the vaccine in good conscience.
Coach Rolovich sidelined for religious beliefs
Coach Rolovich soon informed WSU’s athletic director, Patrick Chun, that he planned to request a religious exemption from the mandate. In response, Chun, who had previously compared Rolovich’s vaccine beliefs to those of a “cult,” warned the coach that the exemption would be hard to get and he would “forever question” his character if he submitted his religious request. Despite Chun’s hostility, Coach Rolovich pressed forward and submitted his request for a religious exemption.
Meanwhile, Chun—together with the Board of Regents and WSU’s President—had developed what they privately called the “Rolo strategy” to ensure that Coach Rolovich’s requested religious exemption would be denied. After WSU’s standard blind-review panel had determined that his beliefs were religious, sincerely held, and approved an exemption, Chun and the athletics department challenged the decision. They pressured WSU’s Human Resources department to reverse its approval by questioning the sincerity and religious nature of Rolovich’s beliefs. Similarly, although WSU’s Environmental Health & Safety department had proposed accommodations, Chun rejected them, citing donor pressure, declining event attendance, and negative media coverage. On October 18, 2021, WSU fired Rolovich with cause.
Personal foul, targeting, Washington State
On November 14, 2022, Coach Rolovich filed a lawsuit against WSU to hold the school accountable for firing him over his religious beliefs. He argues that WSU officials targeted him from the start, ignoring their own policies and bowing to pressure from donors and the media even though accommodation is legally required. In January 2025, the Eastern District Court for the District of Washington ruled in favor of WSU. Becket has stepped in to help Coach Rolovich appeal his case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Importance to Religious Liberty:
- Individual Freedom: Religious exercise encompasses more than just thought or worship—it involves visibly practicing faith, at home and at work. All Americans must be free to live according to their consciences without fear of losing their jobs.