Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Huskies


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Monday, January 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Comments (21)     E-mail article     Print view

UW Football | Steve Sarkisian renews his pursuit of USC's Nick Holt

New UW coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Sunday night that he is talking with USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt about joining the Huskies.

Seattle Times staff reporter

New University of Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is apparently not ready to take no for an answer when it comes to filling the defensive coordinator position on his Huskies staff.

Sarkisian confirmed Sunday night that he is talking with USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt about joining the Huskies.

Holt was offered the job shortly after Sarkisian became UW's coach on Dec. 8 and turned it down.

But with the position still open, Sarkisian has again approached Holt, who will be in Seattle today. The Times confirmed Holt is registered at a hotel in the University District.

"We're talking," Sarkisian told a reporter from the Los Angeles Daily News. "It's not done. Hopefully we'll know something one way or the other pretty soon."

Sarkisian, however, added that "I don't know if it's something that can get done," as it might take a lot to pry Holt away from the powerful Trojans program.

Holt has Northwest experience, having been head coach at Idaho in 2004-05. He's also thought to be intrigued by having total control over UW's defense, with Sarkisian handling play-calling on offense. At USC, head coach Pete Carroll serves in essence as the defensive coordinator, with final say on play calls and schemes.

Holt, however, could be in for a pay cut if he makes the move, as he is thought to make around $500,000 at USC. The highest-paid assistant for the Huskies is new offensive coordinator Jim Michalczik, who has a three-year deal worth $350,000.

Asked why he went back after Holt after the initial refusal, Sarkisian said, "It was a mutual thing. I'm just trying to hire the best guy I can hire."

Holt has been USC's defensive coordinator and line coach the past three seasons. He has also coached linebackers at USC.

Securing Holt would be a coup for Sarkisian, as the Trojans have been known for their dominant defenses in winning at least a share of the past seven Pac-10 titles. USC led the nation this year in scoring defense (9.0) and was second in total defense (221.77 yards).

Sarkisian returned to Seattle on Friday after finishing up his duties as offensive coordinator at USC with the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

advertising

Besides defensive coordinator, he has five other assistant-coaching spots still open. He will also begin recruiting in earnest for UW, with the team scheduled to host a handful of recruits this weekend.

Notes

• One coach earlier rumored headed to Seattle, Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, is instead apparently headed to Florida, according to a story Sunday at ESPN.com.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company

More Huskies headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

Comments
That goes without saying. It's commen sense that coaching only goes so far. But when you have good coaching, and recruiting at the same...  Posted on January 5, 2009 at 5:39 AM by Houston Dawg. Jump to comment
Excellent coaches can produce winners out of mediocre talent. Mediocre coaches cannot. Excellent talent can produce winners for mediocre...  Posted on January 5, 2009 at 7:31 AM by Ronlacroix. Jump to comment
how do u top $500K in LA? easy, take 9% off of that for Cali income tax. take another 30-40% lower housing costs relative to LA, not to mention...  Posted on January 5, 2009 at 9:41 AM by nola1. Jump to comment


Get home delivery today!

Jerry Brewer: UW women cross country runners find recipe for success

NEW - 10:21 PM
UW Volleyball | Fourth-ranked UW earns 3-0 sweep of Washington State in volleyball

UPDATE - 10:32 PM
College Football | Eastern defeats Northern Arizona 49-45, hopes to get playoff berth Sunday

UPDATE - 10:17 PM
College Football | Ninth-ranked Ohio State hands Michigan 21-10 loss to win outright Big Ten title

UW Women's Hoops | Washington's Christina Rozier is playing for teammate Lydia Young, whose career is finished

Advertising

Video

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Interview with New Moon actors
Full interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising