UW Official Statement and Sark Open Thread

Here is the full body of the UW statement.

SEATTLE – Steve Sarkisian has accepted the position as head football coach at USC and will begin his duties with the Trojans immediately.

Sarkisian spent five seasons as Washington's head coach, leading the Huskies to four bowl trips, including a yet-to-be-determined game this year. In five years, he compiled a record of 34-29, including an 8-4 overall mark this year.

“On behalf of the University of Washington, I want to thank Steve Sarkisian for the past five years of service to our institution," UW athletic director Scott Woodward said. "Steve has led the rebuilding of our program to new heights and we are in a much better position than when he arrived. I am happy for Steve and his family as they can return home and I wish them the best of luck in the future.

"The search for Steve’s successor has already begun," Woodward continued. "I will work hard in the coming days to find the absolute best fit for the University of Washington but I will not comment on or speculate about the process. We have tremendous tradition, fan base and a world-class institution, and I am confident we will find the right man.  We will compete for Pac-12 and national championships and we will do so with class, integrity, sportsmanship and a commitment to our student-athletes. That promise is at the forefront of my mind as I embark on finding our next football coach."