SEATTLE - Speaking Sunday, Jedd Fisch was confident he wasn't going to be searching for a new defensive coordinator fort he 2025 season. Even if Steve Belichick's father was hired for a new coaching job in either the college or NFL ranks.
"There's no indication to me that I need to continue on in those conversations," the University of Washington coach said on Dec. 8.
But things change quickly in the modern college football landscape.
Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as the New England Patriots coach, is reportedly expected to be hired as the new coach at North Carolina, according to multiple outlets. His hiring will have direct consequences for Washington.
Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Steve will follow his father and join North Carolina's staff, leaving Washington after one year.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that Steve is "expected to be involved with the North Carolina staff in some way."
The Seattle Times reached out to Washington for a comment but did not immediately get a response.
The Athletic reported the same, saying Steve's "expected role with the Tar Heels is not finalized yet."
Steve arrived at UW before the 2024 season following 12 seasons on Bill's staff in New England, including four seasons as the Patriots' defensive play caller.
Johnny Nansen, Fisch's defensive coordinator at Arizona, had already departed for Texas, creating an opportunity for Steve's first college football position.
"We're not running the Patriots defense," Steve said on July 30. "We're not running an NFL defense. We're running the UW defense. I think the guys are excited about it, I'm excited about it and we'll see how it looks."
The Huskies produced one of the best pass defenses in the country during the 2024 season. Washington ranked fifth nationally in pass yards allowed, giving up 166.8 yards per game. UW's 5.68 opponent yards per pass attempt was third in the country, while it was fourth with 2,001 total passing yards allowed. Washington's 194 total completions allowed ranked 14th.
However, UW's defense struggled in other areas. Washington's run defense ranked 84th after surrendering 159.1 yards per game, and its 20 sacks was 91st in the country. UW's 43.9% defensive third-down conversion percentage ranked 106th, and the Huskies were also No. 91 in turnovers gained, with just 14.
Fifth-year linebacker Carson Bruener was a consensus third-team All-Big Ten selection by coaches and media under Belichick, while sixth-year linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala, senior defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez and senior cornerback Thaddeus Dixon were All-Big Ten honorable mentions according to the coaches.
Washington's defense had its big moments, like the fourth-quarter red-zone stand to secure the 26-21 win against USC on Nov. 2. But Washington also surrendered 40 or more points against Iowa and No. 1 Oregon, and gave up a crucial touchdown before halftime during the 24-19 Apple Cup defeat.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 9:35 PM.