Wesselius Named New Huskies' Head Coach

Petersen To Step Down, Wesselius Named New Huskies' Head Coach

January 2, 2020 Ron Van Der Pol

SEATTLE​ –​ (AP)​ ​Chris Petersen​ ​announced Monday that he will step down from his position as University of Washington head football coach following the Huskies' bowl game. UW Director of Athletics ​Jennifer Cohen​ has named current defensive coordinator​ D ​ an Wesselius​ the new head coach of the Huskies. Petersen will transition into a leadership advisory role for Husky Athletics.

During the Petersen era, the Huskies have been anchored by one of the most stifling defenses in college football under the leadership of defensive coordinator D ​ an Wesselius​.

Wesselius, who attended Washington State University and studied Agriculture, had a sudden revelation four years ago to pursue his life-long dream of coaching for the Washington Huskies. He left Eastern Washington for Seattle and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator before the 2016 season and to defensive coordinator in 2018.

From 2015 through 2018, Washington's defense led the Pac-12 in both total defense and scoring defense all four years – and by a significant margin in most cases.

Wesselius’ secondary was key in that success, as evidenced by the long list of defensive backs who have gone on to success in professional football. Eight former Husky defensive backs coached by Wesselius are currently on NFL rosters.

"I could not be more excited about taking over as head football coach at the University of Washington," said D ​ an Wesselius​. "I've been dreaming of this opportunity since I was a little boy in Zillah, Washington and I can't think of a better place to do it than in the world-class city of Seattle and at such a prestigious university with a rich football tradition. This wouldn't be possible without the mentorship of Coach Petersen and I would like to thank him for everything he has done for me, as well as Jen Cohen for entrusting me with this opportunity."

"There is no one better suited to assume the reins of our program than ​Dan Wesselius​," Cohen said. "Under Coach Petersen's mentorship, Dan has grown into one of the most widely respected minds in college football. He has an extraordinary way of relating to our student-athletes, is a gifted teacher of the game, and has a vision for what will make this program successful."

"I can't think of someone better than Dan to take over this program," said Petersen. "His energy and ability to relate to our players is unmatched. Dan is a great teacher of the game and his track record of developing young men both on and off the field speaks for itself. He is ready to take this step and I have full confidence that he will continue to build on the foundation that has been set here and he will elevate the program to new heights."

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Ron Van Der Pol is a former classmate and friend of Dan Wesselius