UT linebackers coach Peter Sirmon, left, and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox watch the field in this file photo.KNOXVILLE – Derek Dooley began the new year with one coaching hire to make.
Tennessee’s football coach can add two more to that list.
The Volunteers lost two of their best and brightest assistant coaches Monday, when defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon joined the staff at Washington. A source inside the UT football program confirmed the moves, which were first reported by ESPN, to the Times Free Press late Monday morning.
Washington announced the hires Monday night.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Wilcox said in a released statement. “Washington is a place where you can win big, and I’m excited to work with Coach [Steve] Sarkisian in developing a championship-caliber football program. Our first order of business is hitting the recruiting trail, and I can’t wait to get started.”