Petrino hired at Arkansas hours after resigning as Falcons coach
By NOAH TRISTER
AP Sports Writer
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."