SEATTLE (AP) - Still stinging from an 0-12 season, Washington fans probably wouldn't mind if the Huskies became "USC North."

Washington's new coaching staff is certainly starting to take on that look.

After USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian was snagged to be the Huskies' new head coach, Sarkisian plucked away the Trojans' defensive coordinator on Monday, hiring Nick Holt to hold the same position with the Huskies.

Holt will replace Ed Donatell, who was not retained after Sarkisian was hired in early December.

"This is very exciting for Husky football," Sarkisian said in a statement. "I don't think we could have found a more qualified or successful defensive coordinator anywhere in the country."

Holt's hiring was announced by the school Monday afternoon. He was expected to be formally introduced at a news conference on Tuesday, and will become the third former USC staff member to join Sarkisian's new Huskies' staff, with a handful of assistant spots still to be filled.

Demetrice Martin and Jared Blank have also been hired to the UW staff.

"Coach Sarkisian has been working tirelessly to recruit and to hire coaches," Washington athletic director Scott Woodward said. "This hire is a clear reinforcement of the confidence I have in him to put together a top-notch coaching staff."

Holt has served as the Trojans' defensive line coach and defensive coordinator for the last three seasons. His unit was the strength of USC's 12-1 record this past season, leading the country in total defense (206 yards per game), scoring defense (7.75 points), pass defense and pass efficiency defense.

But the lure to Washington may have been Holt's ability to run the show with Washington. While holding the title of defensive coordinator at USC, he often shared some of those duties with head coach Pete Carroll, a noted defensive guru.

Holt's task appears quite significant. Last season's Washington defense was the worst in school history, giving up 451.8 yards and nearly 39 points per game. But he will inherit some talent with potentially 10 starters returning, including a large number of underclassmen who saw significant playing time last season.

Holt, 46, also has Pacific Northwest ties, serving as head coach at Idaho in 2004 and 2005. Aside from his 5-18 stint as the Vandals' head coach, Holt has been on the Trojans' staff since 2001. He also served as an assistant at UNLV, Idaho and Louisville.