Bobby Petrino's Job Just Got Tougher

Coaching in the NFL is a tough, tough proposition. Careers flame out quickly. Many (myself included) felt former Louisville Cardinals head football coach Bobby Petrino made a mistake leaving the Derby City. After all, the man was virtually assured of remaining one of the town's leading dignitaries. All that was required was he win maybe six or seven games a year after leading us to an impressive Orange Bowl victory.

Before the glow abated, however, came the move we all sensed. The lights, glitter and glare of the NFL beckoned. Bobby jumped ship. At first I was angry. I'd been telling anyone who would listen he was a goner. So I felt vindicated. Then I realized I should be happy for the guy. In truth, I grew to find myself wishing the man success.

Well, it's probably not going to happen, now. Not with the 130-million-dollar franchise quarterback facing federal criminal conspiracy charges and a possible six-year prison sentence. It's possible Michael Vick won't even play this year, I suspect. I doubt the franchise's PR department (or the NFL's notorious publicity machine) is enthused at the idea of explaining why a man reportedly accused of personally drowning and electrocuting eight dogs (among other charges) is being permitted to play.

So, Petrino is going to find out just how difficult serving as an NFL head coach can be. The good thing is, if anyone can live up to the challenge, he can. I wish him luck. He's going to need it.