Just 11 months after agreeing to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Bobby Petrino decided enough was enough. Petrino resigned in Atlanta Tuesday and immediately will become the new head coach at the University of Arkansas.
Petrino’s departure came after he claimed several times that he would return with the Falcons next season. He was introduced as Arkansas’ new coach in a late-night press conference in Fayetteville, Ark. He even did the school’s “Woo Pig Souey” chant – complete with cheerleaders – after his opening remarks.
There comes a time in life when a man has to do what he has to do. And there comes a time in life when a man has to do what he has to do for his family. Obviously Petrino thought what was best for him and his family was to return to the collegiate ranks. However, there’s also a time when a man has to honor a commitment, too. He lied to Louisville a few years ago about wanting to stay put, all the while talking to LSU about their opening once Nick Saban left for the Dolphins. He also lied to Louisville again when he accepted the Falcon job. And now he lied to the Falcons and probably will do it to Arkansas as soon as he has a chance…He did the “Woo Pig Souey” hours after leaving the entire Atlanta organization in the dust? I’m surprised he can even look at himself in the mirror.
Sorry to say, but the Falcons and Arthur Blank got what they deserved. They knew Petrino had lied to teams before and still went through with the hire. With that said, this is also the second time this year that Blank was stabbed in the back by someone he deeply trusted (Michael Vick being the first person, of course). With how much the Falcon players seemed to despise Petrino’s coaching style, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Nevertheless, Blank and the Falcons badly need to land a loyal, hard-working figure to right this sinking ship. Off the top of my head, Bill Cowher would be great, but who knows if he would want to come out of retirement to clean up that mess. Although they’ll probably look for someone with more coaching experience, I think Mike Singletary would be a guy the players would play hard for and rally around.
