Looks like more rats jumping from the USS Dooley.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon have accepted jobs on Washington coach Steve Sarkisian's staff, a person familiar with the situation said Monday.
The person told the Associated Press about the departures on condition of anonymity because the moves have not been announced by either school. ESPN, citing anonymous sources, first reported the moves, which come two days after Sarkisian fired defensive coordinator Nick Holt, linebackers coach Mike Cox and safeties coach Jeff Mills.
Wilcox is expected to replace Holt, who was fired on Saturday, just two days after Washington gave up 777 total yards and 67 points against Baylor in the Alamo Bowl. It was the most yards allowed in school history and second-most points surrendered.
Washington officials had no comment on Monday morning.
Wilcox and Sirmon are the latest in a string of departures from Tennessee, which is still struggling to rebuild after back-to-back coaching turnovers following the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett and tight ends and special teams coach Eric Russell also have left the staff of Volunteers coach Derek Dooley.
Wilcox's defense was one of the bright spots in a disappointing 5-7 season for Tennessee. The Vols allowed 340.5 yards and 22.6 points per game, ranking them among the top 35 teams in the nation in both categories.
Wilcox, 35, was set to earn $700,000 at Tennessee in 2012. He and Sirmon were teammates and roommates Oregon, though Wilcox first made a name for himself in four seasons as defensive coordinator at Boise State, where his players lead the Western Athletic Conference in total defense and scoring defense from 2006-2009 and compiled a 49-4 overall record.
*****And in other news...Auburn better give Mr. Boulware some $$$. Not only were special teams the most consistent part of this football team, they were one of the best in the nation.*****