Petrino Bails On Louisville

After four years of where-will-Bobby-Petrino-interview-next (he expressed interest annually in other head coaching positions every year he coached Louisville, including at Auburn, LSU, Southern Mississippi and Oakland), we have an answer to where Petrino will work next: Atlanta. Bobby Petrino has accepted the head coaching position with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, a move that's likely to make his next role prove of even shorter duration than his brief Louisville tenure.

I'll explain why in a moment. First, let me say that the news comes just six weeks after the man issued a press release promising, and I quote, "I am not a candidate for any job openings." And, Bobby Petrino's resignation comes just five months after signing a lucrative new contract that has but nine years remaining.

But I am not bitter. Despite Petrino's incessant interviewing, he still did a lot for the Louisville program. For that I'm grateful. But I was never much of a Bobby Petrino fan (those that know me know this to be true). While his offensive schemes proved intriguing, his lack of loyalty always colored my view of the man, and his defense proved porous at best. And, what did he really accomplish? If I'm not mistaken he only beat a single top 20 team - Wake Forest - on the road.

I fear Petrino's desire to escape Louisville (for whatever reason) overwhelmed his ability to clearly view and weigh the Atlanta position logically. His offensive style doesn't seem particularly well suited for a quarterback possessing Michael Vick's talents. His coaching style, too (described by some as militaristic), isn't likely to work well in the NFL, either. If early indications are any key, the Atlanta Falcon faithful agree. Worse, many Falcons fans suggest the team should have waited for the NFL playoffs to complete (in hopes a better coach than Petrino could be found). That's not a good sign.

Regardless, I'm glad Petrino's moved on to a new position that he's so obviously wanted since accepting the Louisville post. Hopefully it works out in Altanta, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the college ranks within two short years.

Back in Louisville, AD Tom Jurich is sure to secure a worthy or even superior replacement. Jurich has done much more for the program than has Petrino. In fact, Jurich has done much more the school and community. So, despite losing a head coach and possibly our starting quarterback (Brian Brohm) and best running back (Michael Bush) to the NFL draft, I see no reason to panic. Jurich is at the controls. All will be fine.

Update: The more I read Atlanta Falcons fans' comments, the more I see a clear pattern. In addition to worrying Petrino's qualified to lead the Falcons (for the record I think he is), fans are clearly concerned Petrino will jump ship in Atlanta after just two or three years. That's the danger of annually interviewing for a new job, I suspect.