The Washington Huskies football program is the college football team representing the University of Washington, based in Seattle. They are a part of the Pac-12 Conference and have a rich history of success in college football.
The Huskies have won multiple national championships, with their most recent in 1991 under head coach Don James. They’ve also earned several conference titles, and their passionate fan base is known for creating an electric atmosphere at Husky Stadium, which is located on the shores of Lake Washington.
Washington has produced numerous NFL players and had success on both sides of the ball, with notable quarterbacks like Jake Locker, and recent stars like running back Myles Gaskin and wide receiver John Ross.
The program has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the years, but they’ve remained a consistently competitive team. The current head coach (as of 2025) is Kalen DeBoer, who took over in 2022 and has helped the team improve its performance, with a high-powered offense and a focus on development.
In a strategic move to enhance the Washington Huskies’ coaching staff, head coach Jedd Fisch has announced the hiring of Martell Irby as the new Team Culture & Secondary Assistant Coach. Irby, known for his dynamic approach to coaching and his ability to build strong relationships with players, will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s defensive culture while also focusing on the secondary, one of the Huskies’ most important positions.
The addition of Irby comes as part of Fisch’s ongoing efforts to fortify the Huskies’ football program, which has been steadily improving and is aiming for greater success in the competitive Pac-12 Conference. Irby will bring fresh energy to the staff, combining his coaching experience with a reputation for developing young talent and fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
Irby joins the Huskies after a successful tenure at several collegiate programs where he gained experience both as a defensive backs coach and as a key contributor to team culture-building. Over the years, Irby has made a name for himself as a versatile coach who understands the complexities of developing defensive players while also fostering a winning mentality throughout the program.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Martell Irby to our coaching staff,” said Jedd Fisch in a statement. “He brings a unique skill set that will help us continue to build a strong defensive foundation while emphasizing the culture and mindset that are essential to success. We’re confident that Martell’s experience and passion for the game will be a great asset to our team.”
Irby’s coaching philosophy revolves around developing players not just athletically, but mentally and emotionally, ensuring they’re prepared for the demands of high-level football both on and off the field. His leadership style emphasizes communication, discipline, and resilience—key traits that are sure to resonate with the Huskies’ defensive unit.
As the Team Culture & Secondary Assistant Coach, Irby will work closely with the defensive backs, helping to refine their skills in coverage, tackling, and overall defensive strategy. The Huskies’ secondary has shown promise in recent seasons, but with Irby’s addition, the team hopes to elevate its play to new heights.
“Coaching the secondary is all about attention to detail, mental toughness, and making adjustments on the fly,” said Irby in an interview. “I’m excited to work with the talented group of defensive backs here at Washington and help them reach their full potential. There’s a lot of upside in this group, and I’m eager to contribute to their development.”
Irby’s experience in developing standout players in the secondary will be especially beneficial as the Huskies prepare for the 2025 season, with a number of key matchups against high-powered offenses. The coaching staff is confident that Irby’s expertise will help the Huskies’ defense take another step forward as they look to contend for a spot in the college football playoff race.
Beyond his technical skills, Irby is also tasked with instilling a positive, resilient culture within the team. As a coach focused on culture-building, he will help shape the Huskies’ identity, instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and accountability.
Irby’s emphasis on a strong team culture will complement Fisch’s overarching vision for the program, which has been centered around creating a cohesive, focused group of players who support one another both on the field and in the locker room. Irby will work alongside Fisch and other coaches to ensure that the team remains united and driven toward its goals.
“I’m a big believer that a team’s success is rooted in its culture,” Irby said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the players and building a strong, connected unit. When you have a solid foundation of trust and respect, the players are motivated to work for each other and achieve greatness.”
A New Era for the Huskies
With Irby’s arrival, the Washington Huskies are poised to take another step forward in their quest for excellence. Head coach Jedd Fisch’s leadership, combined with the addition of key staff members like Irby, will no doubt continue to elevate the program’s stature within the Pac-12 and beyond.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect to see a more cohesive, disciplined, and talented Washington team under Fisch’s guidance and Irby’s influence. The Huskies’ defensive unit, particularly the secondary, will be under the microscope, and the addition of Irby is expected to have a major impact.
“We’re excited about the future of Washington football,” said Fisch. “With Martell Irby on board, we’re taking the necessary steps to build a team that is not only talented but also mentally and emotionally strong. We have the right pieces in place, and we can’t wait to get started.”
As Irby settles into his new role with the Huskies, the anticipation surrounding the program’s future continues to grow, and the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Washington football fans.