Washington State appears to have its man.
San Francisco’s Kyle Smith is in negotiations with the school to take over the job after the Cougars fired Ernie Kent earlier this month, a source confirmed to NBC Sports. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Rothstein was the first to report.
Sources: San Francisco's Kyle Smith is expected to be the head coach at Washington State barring any complications in finalizing a deal between the two sides. Official announcement could happen soon.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 27, 2019
Smith has won at least 20 games in his three seasons with the Dons after spending six years helming Columbia, going 25-10 his last season there.
Kent failed to post a record of .500 or better in his five seasons in Pullman.
If Smith ultimately takes the job, San Francisco is expected to promote associate head coach Todd Golden to the top spot, sources tell NBC Sports.