WSU Strength Coach Focuses on Movement in Winter Reset

Malcolm Hardmon eases Cougars back into training after holidays

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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When Washington State football players returned to the facility after the holidays, new director of football athletic performance Malcolm Hardmon didn't immediately ramp up the workload. Instead, he focused on having the players move properly through screenings and controlled volume before gradually increasing the intensity.

Why it matters

Hardmon's deliberate approach to easing the players back into training after the break is intended to build a solid foundation and prevent injuries as the Cougars ramp up their winter conditioning program.

The details

Hardmon first had the players undergo functional movement and other screenings to assess their readiness. He then implemented a gradual "acclimation" phase with light volume and speed work before transitioning to a four-week training block as part of the overall winter conditioning circuit.

  • When Washington State players returned to the facility after the holidays
  • For the acclimation days after the initial screenings

The players

Malcolm Hardmon

The new director of football athletic performance at Washington State University.

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What they’re saying

“We first started out with some acclimation days when the guys first got back. Can't necessarily throw them directly into the fire. So we did some FMS (functional movement) screenings, some movement screenings that we wound up having for that week before we wanted to get into our acclimation days. And then for acclimation days, just a quick little ramp up, give the guys just a little bit of volume. We touched on a little tiny bit of speed work.”

— Malcolm Hardmon, Director of Football Athletic Performance (Cougfan.com)

What’s next

After the acclimation period, the Cougars will enter a set four-week training block as part of their overall winter conditioning program under Hardmon's direction.

The takeaway

Hardmon's measured approach to easing the Washington State football players back into training after the holidays demonstrates his focus on building a solid foundation and preventing injuries as the team ramps up its winter conditioning program.