William "Coach Bill" Doba

Coach William “Bill” Doba, a beloved coach, educator, mentor and family man whose four-decade career in football touched countless young athletes, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 .

Born September 7, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, Bill grew up in nearby New Carlisle and graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1958. He was an accomplished multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, track and baseball. He went on to attend Ball State University, where he played halfback and defensive back before a hip injury ended his playing career. He graduated in 1962 with a degree in physical education and a minor in mathematics and later earned a master’s degree in physical education from Western Michigan University.

Bill’s lifelong passion for teaching and coaching began in 1962 at Goshen High School, where he served as an assistant football coach. He later became head football coach at Angola High School before returning to Goshen as head coach. In 1971, he began a six-year tenure as head football coach at Mishawaka High School. During his time at Mishawaka, Bill compiled an impressive 46-15-1 record, led the Cavemen to their first conference championship in 20 years in 1972, won additional conference championships in 1974 and 1975, and guided the team to the Indiana state championship game in 1974. He was named district Coach of the Year and Ball State Alumni Coach of the Year and coached the 1973 Indiana North All-Star team.

Bill then moved to the collegiate ranks, joining Lee Corso’s staff at Indiana University in 1977. During his six seasons at Indiana, he coached outside linebackers before spending his final season working with quarterbacks and receivers. The 1979 Hoosiers finished 8-4 and defeated BYU in the Holiday Bowl.

In 1983, Bill joined the coaching staff at Purdue University, where he coached outside linebackers and later tight ends and tackles. He also coordinated recruiting in Indiana and the school’s video program. The 1984 Boilermakers finished 7-5 and played in the Peach Bowl.

Bill spent the next two seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at The Citadel. In 1988, the Bulldogs finished 8-3 and advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. Bill also coordinated the school’s academic support program, overseeing tutors, study tables and player eligibility—an early reflection of the importance he placed on education and helping young men succeed away from the football field.

In 1989, Bill began what became the defining chapter of his coaching career when he joined Mike Price’s staff at Washington State University. Over the next 19 years, he served as linebackers coach, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator before becoming the Cougars’ head coach in December 2002. Washington State recognized his loyalty, dedication, football knowledge and commitment to his players as major reasons he was chosen to lead the program.

As Washington State’s defensive coordinator, Bill helped build the celebrated “Palouse Posse” defense, which ranked second nationally in total defense in 1994. That season, Washington State went 9-3 and won the Alamo Bowl. During his years leading the defense, eight of his players earned first-team all-conference honors, six became All-Americans, and Rien Long won the Outland Trophy. Twelve of Bill’s former players were selected in the NFL Draft, while another 18 signed professional contracts.

Bill was named Washington State’s 30th head football coach in 2002. His first season, 2003, was remarkable. The Cougars finished 10-3, placed second in the Pac-10, defeated No. 5 Texas in the Holiday Bowl and finished No. 9 nationally in both major polls. The victory over Texas was Washington State’s first win over a top-five opponent since 1988 and was described by the university as the biggest bowl victory in program history. Bill shared the 2003 Pac-10 Coach of the Year award with USC’s Pete Carroll.

That 2003 Washington State defense was among the nation’s best. The Cougars led the country with 48 takeaways and 24 fumble recoveries and ranked second nationally with 24 interceptions. Seven defensive players earned All-Conference consideration, including first-team selections Erik Coleman, Jason David and Will Derting.

Bill ultimately completed five seasons as Washington State’s head coach with a 30-29 record. His teams won three Apple Cup rivalry games against the University of Washington. At the conclusion of his tenure in 2007, Washington State recognized his 19 years of service and credited him with playing a pivotal role in the university’s rise to national prominence, including two Rose Bowl appearances during his years on the Cougar staff.

Beyond the wins and championships, Bill considered his greatest rewards to be the young men he coached. He often spoke with pride about players who earned college degrees and those who went on to play professionally. His influence extended well beyond the football field, and former players, fellow coaches and university leaders remembered him for his loyalty, hard work, humility and genuine concern for his athletes. Washington State’s athletic department described him as a coach who helped give young men opportunities to earn degrees and pursue careers both in and beyond football.

Bill’s accomplishments were recognized throughout his career. He was inducted into the Mishawaka Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2001. His coaching career spanned approximately 40 years and included high school football, Indiana University, Purdue University, The Citadel and Washington State University.

Away from football, Bill was devoted to his family. He and his wife, Judy, were married for more than four decades and raised three children, Scott, Beth, and Kristen. They were also grandparents to six grandchildren. Judy preceded him in death in 2006 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Bill often spoke fondly of his family and grandchildren, and his life after coaching remained closely connected to them.

Bill Doba’s legacy is measured not only by victories, bowl games, championships and honors, but by the lives of the young people he taught and mentored. From the football fields of Indiana to the national stage at Washington State, he spent his life believing in hard work, loyalty, education and the importance of giving young people an opportunity to succeed.

He leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the scoreboard—a legacy carried on by his family, his former players, his fellow coaches and the many people who were fortunate enough to call him a teacher, coach, mentor or friend.

Bill is survived by his children, Scott (Rachel) Doba of Martinsville, IN., Lizabeth Crawford of Vandalia, MI., and Kristen (Brent) Chitty of Nineveh, IN ; his grandchildren Erin Crawford, William Crawford, Jonathan Crawford, Samuel Crawford, Taylor (Ethan) Thomison and Parker (Madison) Chitty,  a great-grandchild Maeven Chitty and his sisters-in-law Susan Goff of Fort Wayne, IN and Patricia Doba of Warren, MI. Bill was preceded in death by his brother Merlin “Bud” Doba and his wife Judy Doba.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where funeral services will be held at 7pm. Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN, burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial donations in honor of Coach to  be made to the Birch Lake Water Quality Fund www.keepbirchlakebeautiful.com or Washington State University Athletics, PO Box 641612, Pullman, WA 99164-1602. Online condolences may be made to Coach’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com