SEATTLE -- Former Walla Walla standout and NFL linebacker Peter Sirmon is returning to the Northwest to coach at the University of Washington.

Sirmon is joining Justin Wilcox in leaving Tennessee to coach the defensive side of the ball for the Huskies, UW announced Monday.

Wilcox, the former defensive coordinator at Boise State before joining the Vols, will replaced fired coordinator Nick Holt. Sirmon served as linebackers coach at Tennessee and will hold the same position at Washington.

Both played their college ball at Oregon. Sirmon was drafted in 2000 by the Tennessee Titans.

Sirmon was a talented quarterback and defensive back for Wa-Hi, leading the Blue Devils to the state championship game in 1994.