Though it meant moving the family while the children were in high school, on January 5,2009, Holt accepted the position of defensive coordinator at Washington, taking over for Ed Donatell, who was not retained by Sarkisian.
Though it meant moving his family while his children were in high school, In December 2008, USC Trojans offensive coordinator and colleague Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach at Washington. On January 5,2009, Holt accepted the position of defensive coordinator at Washington, taking over for Ed Donatell, who was not retained by Sarkisian.