FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -Bobby Petrino was hired as the football coach at Arkansas, capping a whirlwind day in which he stunningly resigned from the Atlanta Falcons after just 13 games.
Petrino was hired to succeed Houston Nutt, who stepped down at Arkansas two weeks ago and became the head coach at Mississippi.
Petrino was introduced as the 30th Razorbacks coach by incoming athletic director Jeff Long at a late-night news conference Tuesday.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to be named the 30th head coach at Arkansas, particularly on a night when we honored coach (Frank) Broyles for his 50 years service,” Petrino said, referring to former head coach and outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles. “He’s such a legend and I can’t wait to develop a relationship with him.”
In January, Petrino left as head coach at Louisville to take over in Atlanta, agreeing to a five-year, $24 million contract handed out by a team that felt he could help Michael Vick reach his full potential.
However, the star quarterback came under investigation for a grisly dogfighting operation that led him to plead guilty to federal charges. On Monday Vick was sentenced Monday to 23 months in prison without ever taking a snap for Petrino.
On Monday night, the Falcons lost to New Orleans 34-14, and hours later Petrino left the team with a 3-10 record to return to the college ranks.
“Today was a day of decision,” Petrino said. “It was difficult on one side very easy on the other. It was difficult to leave Atlanta, the staff, players, fans. The timing of it probably the think that made it most difficult.”
Add A Comment