SEATTLE — The reshaping of the once-stable University of Washington football coaching staff goes on and on.
One assistant is coming, and now another appears to be going.
On Monday, the Huskies announced the hiring of defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, a former California assistant who is known as one of the top young recruiters in the Pacific-12 Conference. Lupoi takes over some of the coaching duties once manned by Johnny Nansen, who is now expected to concentrate on special teams for UW.
Lupoi could give the Huskies a boost in recruiting, where they have not been as successful this year as in recent campaigns. Top local talent such as Mariner running back KeiVarae Russell (Notre Dame) and Puyallup linebacker/offensive lineman Josh Garnett (Michigan, Notre Dame or Stanford) have turned down UW in recent weeks.
“Coach Lupoi is a terrific young coach and a dynamic recruiter,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in a statement. “He will have an immediate impact with our team both on the field and in recruiting.”
In addition to his recruiting, Lupoi also made news at Cal because he was caught coaching his players to fake injuries during a high-profile game against Oregon in 2010. That method helped the Bears slow down the Ducks’ offense but was frowned upon by some football purists.
The Huskies, who already have hired four defensive assistants since the end of the 2011 season, could have another opening on the horizon. Multiple reports have UW offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier on his way to Alabama, where he would replace Jim McElwain, who took the head-coaching job at Colorado State.
Before last month, the Huskies had spent almost three full seasons with their entire staff of full-time coaches intact. Since then, three have been fired, as many as two (including Nussmeier) have left on their own accord, and another (Nansen) has had his duties redefined.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
