Togetherness makes Washington football staff a fraternity

Continuity is a big deal to University of Washington football coach Steve Sarkisian.

On numerous occasions in the past couple of weeks, Sarkisian has pointed to the fact that several of his coaches have remained on his staff as one of the key reasons Huskies players have elevated their understanding of his system and expectations.

Recruiting coordinator Johnny Nansen, also the defensive line coach, was Sarkisian’s first hire after taking over the program in December 2008, followed by cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin a few days later.

Then came the bulk of the staff in January 2009: Linebackers coach Mike Cox, safeties coach Jeff Mills, running backs coach Joel Thomas and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier came first, followed by defensive coordinator Nick Holt, who was with Sarkisian at Southern California.

The late hires were in February – offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto and receivers coach Jimmie Dougherty.

“We are all in – everybody is all in at this deal,” Dougherty said. “And on top of that, we have fun doing it. We do actually like each other. We hang out even when we are not here … on the weekends. Our families all get along together.”

Dating back to 1954, there is no record of a Huskies staff such as this staying together for three seasons.

So how well does Sarkisian know the other men who spend hours and hours with him in the football office, on the sideline and press box and on the road recruiting? The News Tribune inquired.

The coach was asked an easy question first – who is the elder statesman on the staff, and what is his age?

He did not hesitate: “The oldest coach is Dan Cozzetto, and no, I don’t know his age.” (Cozzetto is 56.)

Then the real trivial stuff came up – such as what is the staff’s favorite restaurant for long nights in the office?

“Probably Dick’s (a fast-food hamburger chain in Seattle),” Sarkisian said. “Jared Blank (director of player personnel) picks it up. That is usually one of his missions.”

And speaking of all-nighters, which assistant has spent the most hours in his office breaking down film?

“Tough one,” Sarkisian said. “I would probably go Jeff Mills.”

Of course, to know a man is to also know his family – and Sarkisian has certainly spent his share of time around his assistants’ wives and children.

The best cook and dish? “Christi Nussmeier’s seafood gumbo,” he said.

Whose children are the rowdiest when it comes to UW football? The coach gave the diplomatic nod to “all of them.”

The coaches have their fun, too, in the office with competitive games.

Asked if his well-being depended on one assistant making a free throw, Sarkisian pointed to the youngest coach: Dougherty.

“He would be about a 75-percent shooter, realistically,” Sarkisian said.

About stuff in and out of the office – life’s wisdom – whose counsel has seemed to impact Sarkisian the most?

“Maybe Mike Cox,” Sarkisian said. “He is a pretty aware guy. He has seen a lot in his day.”

The last question pertained to style and glitz. Honestly, who on the staff is the best dresser on the road?

That drew a quick and almost-cocky response from Sarkisian.

“By far and away, me. It is not even close,” he said.

“After me? It is a distant second, and I can’t think of anybody right now. Jimmie Dougherty tries.”

EXTRA POINTS

Results of a magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) exam on cornerback Quinton Richardson’s left leg were not available Monday night. The senior was at practice on crutches and wearing a protective boot for the evening practice. Sarkisian indicated he did not see the injury as a long-term detriment. … Defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu (right wrist) will be sidelined for at least a couple days. He did not work with the team Monday. Auburn High product Danny Shelton filled in at that spot with the No. 1 defense. … Defensive tackle Sione Potoa’e (knee) and incoming safety Evan Zeger (hamstring) saw their first live-tackling work of fall camp. … Today is the first scheduled scrimmage, followed by one Saturday.