Stunner–UW Football Coach Petersen “Stepping Down”
Saying he will always be a Husky for life, the former Boise State 'whiz kid' coach who helped return Washington football to prominence is "stepping down."
According to the Seattle Times and Yahoo! Sports, Petersen said it was time to step away and recharge his batteries. He will reportedly remain on at UW as an advisor in the Athletic Department.
No word if any other offers were dangling in front of of the coach who reached the 100 win platform in NCAA Division 1 football faster than all but 4 other coaches. Petersen's coaching record, including eight years at Boise State and six at UW, is 146-38. He coached UW to two PAC-12 titles, a berth in the College Football Final Four playoff, and they went to bowl games in each of his seasons, including a pending berth after going 7-5 this year.
Multiple sources indicate health was not a factor, nor was anything else suspected aside from the reasons Petersen gave. Is it possible he resurfaces elsewhere? Of course, given his record. But for now he is staying at UW in the advisory role.
Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake, an EWU player and grad, who's also had stints in the NFL, will take over as the new head coach. WSU Coach Mike Leach will no doubt be happy, as he's 0-6 vs. Petersen in the Apple Cup.
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