Jedd Fisch was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Washington Huskies football team during a press conference on Tuesday. Fisch comes to Washington after a successful stint at Arizona, where he engineered a remarkable turnaround for the Wildcats in just three seasons. With his sights set on building a perennial contender, Fisch expressed his belief in the university's commitment to winning and its potential to compete for championships every year.
One of the main reasons Fisch was drawn to Washington was the program's dedication to football and the priority placed on winning in Seattle. Looking out at the beautiful views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains from his new football offices, Fisch saw a place with immense potential for success. He acknowledged that winning in football is highly valued in the city and expressed his optimism for the future of the program.
As the Huskies prepare to transition to the Big Ten, Fisch envisions Washington as a program that will consistently be in the national mix. With college football now expanding to a 12-team playoff, Fisch believes that Washington has the resources and the ability to compete with the traditional powerhouses of the Big Ten and the SEC. He emphasized the importance of securing a seat at the table among the top programs in the country.
Fisch's arrival at Washington comes on the heels of former head coach Kalen DeBoer's departure to Alabama. DeBoer had led the Huskies to the national championship game and had an impressive record of 25-3 over two seasons. However, with DeBoer's departure, several expected returners entered the transfer portal, and some top recruits decommitted, presenting an immediate challenge for Fisch in terms of rebuilding the roster.
Recruiting was a significant factor in the hiring process, and Washington's athletic director, Troy Dannen, stressed the importance of finding a coach who was passionate about recruiting. Fisch's success at Arizona, where he hauled in the program's best recruiting class in 2022, demonstrated his ability to attract top talent. With several players potentially interested in returning to the team, Fisch aims to retain as much of the existing roster as possible while also evaluating available players from the transfer portal.
Fisch's coaching journey has been marked by experiences under well-established names in the coaching world, including Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Jim Harbaugh. His extensive background working alongside these renowned coaches has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to build winning programs. Fisch's track record and his alignment with the vision of the Washington program made him the ideal candidate for the head coaching position.
Washington's commitment to Fisch was evident in the seven-year contract that was finalized, starting at $7.5 million annually, with incremental increases over the course of the agreement. Additionally, Fisch's buyout is set at $12 million initially, decreasing each year. The university's investment in Fisch highlights their belief in his ability to lead the program to success.
Fisch expressed his gratitude towards his former employer, Arizona, and emphasized that his decision to join Washington was not taken lightly. He acknowledged that he loved his time at Arizona but ultimately couldn't pass up the opportunity presented by Washington's vision for the future.
With Fisch at the helm, the Washington Huskies will embark on a new era in their football program. Fisch's proven track record in turning around programs, combined with Washington's commitment to winning, sets the stage for a potential championship-contending team in the future. As Fisch assembles his coaching staff and dives into recruiting, all eyes will be on the Huskies to see how they navigate this transition period and position themselves for success in the coming seasons.
