Spokane, Wash. ? Mike Price is leaving Washington State for one more coaching challenge — to restore pride at Alabama and turn the Crimson Tide into champions again.

Price told his players on Tuesday he was leaving Pullman after 14 seasons.

The 56-year-old Price led the seventh-ranked Cougars (10-2) to a share of the Pac-10 title and a Rose Bowl matchup against Oklahoma on Jan. 1.

“I just can’t pass it up,” Price told the Eastside Journal of Bellevue, Wash. “I’m getting up there (in age). I’ve got to do this for my family.”

Price replaces Dennis Franchione, who left Alabama on Dec. 5 after two seasons to take over at Texas A&M.

Price said WSU officials agreed that defensive coordinator Bill Doba would become the Cougars’ new coach. Washington State planned a news conference for today to address the coaching situation.