Sarkisian introduced as Washington's football coach

Dec 8, 2008 - 7:45 PM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Saying that he wants to return Washington football to national prominence, Steve Sarkisian was officially introduced Monday as the Huskies' new head coach.

Sarkisian, the current offensive coordinator at Southern California, took the reigns two days after Washington completed the Tyrone Willingham era with the first winless season in school history.

"It's the year 2008," Sarkisian said. "It's about time to get back to the Rose Bowl, to Pac-10 championships, competing for a national championship, that's our goal, no question. I can't wait to get this thing going."

However, Sarkisian faces a major rebuilding project, as the Huskies completed an 0-12 season with a 48-7 loss to California on Saturday. They were the only team in the Football Bowl Subdivision to go winless this season.

Sarkisian, the 23rd head coach in the program's history, will replace the embattled Willingham, who posted an 11-36 record over four seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

"We're going to get kids who know how to compete, not only on the football field but in the classroom ... who want to come in here and be winners," Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian has spent the last two seasons serving under Pete Carroll for the Trojans, who have posted a 22-3 record over that span. He will stay with the Trojans through their Rose Bowl game against Penn State.

"I'm thrilled to have Steve heading up our football program," Washington president Mark Emmert said. "He's a very talented, energetic coach with a great work ethic and values that match the UW.

"His challenge is very clear - we believe he's entirely up to it, and we look forward to a return of the glory years for Husky football."

Sarkisian played quarterback at Brigham Young in 1995 and 1996. As a senior in 1996, the Cougars went 14-1, with their only loss coming at Washington's Husky Stadium.

"I know what kind of place this can be, what kind of building this can be," Sarkisian said. "We've got to get that back."

Sarkisian spent three seasons playing in Canada before joining Carroll's staff at USC in 2001.