Washington Fires Former USC Coach Nick Holt

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington defensive coordinator Nick Holt and two other defensive assistants have been fired two days after the worst defensive performance in Washington history against Baylor in the Alamo Bowl.

The school announced the firing of Holt, linebackers coach Mike Cox and safeties coach Jeff Mills on Saturday. The university says all three had contracts for the 2012 season that will be honored. Holt is to make $650,000.

Washington's 2011 defense was the worst in school history statistically, capped by giving up 67 points and 777 yards to Baylor in a 67-56 loss in the Alamo Bowl.

Holt has been criticized because of Washington's defensive decline and the large salary that accompanied his arrival from Southern California before the 2009 season.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.