Huskies’ search starts to heat up

It appears Washington’s coaching search will involve two candidates whose names have been connected with the UW vacancy since Steve Sarkisian left on Monday for USC.

Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com reported on Thursday afternoon that Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was scheduled to interview for the UW job Thursday, and that Boise State head coach Chris Petersen was scheduled to interview today, although CBS Sports reported it may have happened Thursday.

UW officials are not commenting on the search until its completion.

BSU president Bob Kustra released a statement to local media in Boise that read: “We are fully committed to Coach Petersen remaining at Boise State and, as always, intend to do everything in our power to support him as Boise State’s football coach.”

Petersen’s buyout is $750,000, as stipulated in the new deal he reached with BSU in 2012. That’s half of what Sarkisian – or USC – owes Washington for leaving before the expiration of his contract.

Petersen is paid a salary of about $2.15 million, according to USA Today’s coaching salary figures, and that’s in addition to an annual $250,000 licensing fee, according to contract figures reported last year by the Idaho Statesman.

Nussmeier worked at UW under Sarkisian from 2009-11 as the offensive coordinator. Alabama hired Nussmeier for the same position in 2012 – with play-calling duties this time – and he is considered one of the top offensive assistants in the country. According to USA Today, Alabama increased his salary to $680,000 in 2013.

Sarkisian raids staff

After running backs coach and special teams coordinator Johnny Nansen and defensive backs coach Keith Heyward left UW on Wednesday to join Sarkisian’s staff at USC, a source confirmed that linebackers coach Peter Sirmon will also leave.

It is also believed that UW defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi will join Sarkisian’s staff.