Wednesday means our regular weekly meeting with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, and this week was no exception.

Donatell is in a different position than the other eight assistants as he has a contract that is guaranteed for the 2009 season --- the other contracts all run out June 30.

Donatell, who is in his first year as DC, said he did not regret coming to UW, knowing then a change could be made depending on how the season went.

"No, absolutely not,'' he said. "I came here for two reasons and that was Tyrone Willingham and this university.''

Donatell also said it was too early to talk about what his future might be at UW despite his two-year contract.

"I look at it as unknown,'' he said. "Because in any of these situations it always is dictated by who comes in here and what direction they are going to do and what our knowledge would be of each other, so I don't think there is anything of any substance we can say at this time.''

Donatell said the coaches have to continue to progress as if nothing has changed.

"We have to do everyting we can to make these players get better,'' he said. "We want to help Husky football, that's important to us, so that's what our intentions are. And we know that in times like this there are guys that are hurting, guys that are down a little bit, and it' our job to be strong and pick them up so that's what we are looking to do.''

Donatell said Tuesday's practice couldn't be considered as normal, but that he also didn't think it was a bad one, just a little different.

"I think these guys really feel for Ty, so there is a little sadness,'' he said. "But he explained to them we are getting to work and they see that championship attitude in their leader so they are getting to work.''

Donatell, however, admitted that "this is agreat task we have ahead of us and we talked about what we need to do to get it done.''

On a few other topics:

--- Donatell noted that playing teams like USC with size everywhere is part of the reason UW made the move in the spring to add size at cornerback by shifting some safeties there.

--- He noted he coached with Pete Carroll for six years. "Any time you get to go up against a teacher or a friend, it's great. He's been good to me over the years." He said they talk often but won't this week.

--- He said he thinks the defense is getting better and that "the arrow is going up.'' But he also said there is still a lot of improvement that is needed.

--- Donatell said the coaches are still waiting word on exactly how to proceed in recuiting but that for now, that work will continue.

--- Asked if the rest of the year serves as something of an audition for him, he said, "The focus is on the kids."