SEATTLE — Petersen had a 92-12 record as Boise State’s head coach from 2006 to 2013.
Petersen will replace Steve Sarkisian, who went 34-29 at Washington for five seasons before leaving to take the head coach position at USC.
"On behalf of the University of Washington and the entire Husky Nation, I am proud to welcome Chris Petersen as our new head football coach," Washington Athletic Director Scott Woodward said in a statement released. "Coach Petersen's success and record are extraordinary, but even more impressive is the man himself. His integrity, work ethic and character make him an outstanding fit and leader of our student-athletes at UW. We are thrilled and proud to call coach Petersen a Husky."
The Huskies finished with an 8-4 overall record for the 2013 season and will receive its fourth straight bowl bid later this month.