New University of Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian has hired USC defensive coordinator and former University of Idaho head coach Nick Holt to lead the Husky defense.
Holt will replace Ed Donatell, who was not retained after Sarkisian was hired in early December.
Holt will become the third former USC staff member to join Sarkisian’s new Huskies’ staff, with a handful of assistant spots still to be filled.
Demetrice Martin and Jared Blank have also been hired to the UW staff.
Holt has served as the Trojans’ defensive line coach and defensive coordinator for the last three seasons. His unit was the strength of USC’s 12-1 record this past season, leading the country in total defense, scoring defense, pass defense and pass efficiency defense.
Holt’s task appears quite significant. Last season’s Washington defense was the worst in school history, giving up 451.8 yards and nearly 39 points per game.
The 46-year old Holt posted a 5-18 record as Idaho’s head coach before returning to USC after the 2005 season. (AP)
