Vols coaches headed to Huskies

Published Jan. 2, 2012 12:34 p.m. ET

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Justin Wilcox is leaving Tennessee for chance to be the answer to Washington's defensive woes.

Washington confirmed late Monday afternoon the hiring of Wilcox as the Huskies new defensive coordinator replacing Nick Holt, who was fired after Washington surrendered 777 yards and 67 points in an Alamo Bowl loss to Baylor.

Wilcox isn't coming alone. Linebackers coach Peter Sirmon is leaving Tennessee as well to take the same job with the Huskies. Both Wilcox and Sirmon have significant Northwest ties - each played at Oregon and Wilcox's big break came as defensive coordinator for Boise State.

Along with Holt, Washington also dismissed linebackers coach Mike Cox and safeties coach Jeff Mills. The moves came after Washington had the worst statistical defense in school history.