Derham Cato Rejoins Kirby Moore, Expected to Join Washington State Football Staff

Former University of Washington tight ends coach Derham Cato is heading back to the Pacific Northwest. According to a report from 247Sports, Cato is expected to be hired by Washington State University. He will join new Cougars head coach Kirby Moore’s inaugural staff in Pullman.

This move reunites Cato with Moore, whom he worked alongside for the past three seasons at the University of Missouri. The hiring marks a significant return to the region for Cato after his previous stint at UW.

From Sales Back to the Sideline: Cato’s Coaching Journey

Cato coached the Huskies’ tight ends during the 2020 and 2021 seasons under then-head coach Jimmy Lake. His time in Seattle followed four years as an offensive analyst for Chris Petersen. When Lake’s staff was dismissed, Cato stepped away from coaching entirely.

He spent a year working in sales before returning to the collegiate ranks at Missouri. His experience coaching players like standout tight end Brett Norfleet at Missouri reportedly made him a valuable target for Moore’s new Washington State rebuild. This hire continues a trend of former Lake assistants finding new roles.

A Painful Memory and a Promising Return

Husky fans may best remember Cato for an unfortunate sideline incident. During a 2021 game at Oregon State, a punt coverage player was knocked out of bounds. The player collided with a unsuspecting Cato on the sideline in the first quarter.

The hit sent Cato to a local hospital with a leg injury. He later called the event more embarrassing than anything. The coach missed the remainder of that close loss. He did not suffer a serious injury but acknowledged he needed more sideline awareness.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Derham Cato?

Derham Cato is a football coach who previously worked at the University of Washington. He coached tight ends under Jimmy Lake and served as an analyst for Chris Petersen before his three-year stint at Missouri.

What is his connection to Kirby Moore?

Cato and new Washington State head coach Kirby Moore worked together on the Missouri Tigers staff for the past three seasons. Their existing relationship is a key factor in this expected hire.

What happened to him at the Oregon State game?

In 2021, while coaching for UW, Cato was accidentally hit on the sideline by a player during a punt return. He was taken to a hospital with a leg injury and missed the rest of the game, which Washington lost.

When would he face his old team?

If hired, Cato’s first game with Washington State would be the 2026 Apple Cup season opener against the University of Washington. The game is scheduled to be played at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

Have other former UW coaches from that era found new jobs?

Yes. Running backs coach Keith Bhonapha was recently hired at Oregon State. Other coaches from Lake’s staff, however, have faced job changes or dismissals at other programs this past year.

Where did Cato play college football?

Derham Cato was a three-year starting defensive tackle for Dartmouth College. His playing career ended in 2004, and he was listed at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds during his time on the field.

Trusted Sources: 247Sports, The Seattle Times.