The Washington Huskies defense has had a massive resurgence under defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, who is in his first year coaching at the college level. Belichick had previously called plays for his father, eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick, with the New England Patriots before making his way to Montlake to do the same for coach Jedd Fisch.
The younger Belichick has led an impressive turnaround in Seattle, as the Huskies lead the nation in passing defense, allowing just 123.5 yards per game through the air.
As Fisch continues to push his vision of NFL development, which includes selling his and his staff’s experience at the pro level, he reflected on his time with the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots with the Big Ten Network’s Yogi Roth on his podcast, The Y-Option.
“I really believe that I needed that time with Sean [McVay],” Fisch said, referring to the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. “[Cincinnati Bengals head coach] Zac Taylor was in the office next to me, [Chicago Bears offensive coordinator] Shane Waldron was in the other office, [Atlanta Falcons OC] Zac Robinson, [Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC] Liam Coen, [Minnesota Vikings OC] Wes Phillips, Wade Phillips, Chris Shula, that was the hallway…the amount of football knowledge and relationships and resources in that one hallway in 2018 [was incredible].”
Fisch has utilized those relationships as much as he can, including taking two coaches from the New England Patriots, Steve Belichick and safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri.
“Number one, I met Steve, and now he’s our defensive coordinator,” Fisch added. “And to be able to use [Bill Belichick] as a resource on a weekly to almost daily basis has been incredible.”
After Washington’s 31-17 loss to Indiana on Saturday, Fisch might need to reach out to some of his contacts for assistance to right the ship before the Huskies take on USC on November 2.