Petrino To Arkansas

December 13, 2007

I like how you've already determined he's doing this BECAUSE he's a family man and decided it was best to uproot his family again so he could take another job.

Petrino said he made his decision based on what is best for his family. I didn't assume that to be true.

December 13, 2007

What if TD came in here, said what he said, had the season he had, yesterday said "I'm gonna take care of it," and then today said "Sorry, guys, I'm gonna go back to coach high school?"

I would be upset, sure. I wouldn't call him a punk, or a wuss, or a man that lacks balls. I would say, "good luck to you. wish it would have worked out.. " And then move on to the conversation of who we will hire next.

Also, how do you feel about players that leave teams to pursue personal interests (playing time, missing family, girlfriends, etc). They have made a promise to play for a school and a coach. Are they punks?

NTPhiKap99 · December 13, 2007

Petrino said he made his decision based on what is best for his family. I didn't assume that to be true.

I in no way want to defend his decision but overall I'd say it is the best move for his family. He was in an impossible situation and probably felt he wouldn't be in Atlanta much longer anyways so he's making the move now and it should give his family some long term security.

Monkeypox · December 13, 2007

Yeah, a guy who's never kept a job more than 4 years is doing it to give his family long-term security. Petrino moves around like nobody's business. Go read his coaching resume. The only reason he was at Louisville the whole 4 years is his campaign for the Auburn job came to an end when they didn't dump Tuberville.

Kids don't owe anything. I like how all of the sudden we CAN compare them, when all year long people say you can talk endless amounts of garbage about a coach because he gets PAID to do his job. This is a guy who signed a multi-million dollar contract to coach a team and quit because he sucked at it and no one liked him.

Moving your family around all the time isn't good for them.

Was Louisville not a good situation for him? Why did he keep trying to get out of that one? Oh, right, for his family.

He would've had long-term security at Atlanta if he weren't a terrible coach. And he DID have a contract. BTW, coach's contracts in the NFL ARE GUARANTEED, unlike players. It's unlikely they would've gotten rid of Petrino in the next few years, if only because they would've had to pay off the remainder of his $24 million contract. So the security line for a guy who's never stayed in one place very long is complete garbage.

But you're right... poor guy. First he did what was best for his family by dumping on the new 10-year, $25 million contract Louisville had given him the year before to corral his wandering eyes, and now he's gotta save his family again by moving them out of their most recent short-term housing in Atlanta.

JayDub · December 13, 2007

Audio of Petrino's resignation phone call

Got5onIt · December 13, 2007

I just think the timing is the issue. He had 3 games left and couldn't wait it out?? I mean, if the Razorbacks wanted him that bad he could've said let's wait until the end of the season and do this thing the right way. It's the least he could've done for the Atlanta Falcons Players & Coaches. These guys have families, too. Hell, it's the least he could've done for Arthur Blank.

Really sorry way of leaving an entire organization hanging.

LongJim · December 13, 2007

I'm not going to call the guy names, but the way he left his job was sorry. To paint it any other way is ridiculous.

From Pat Forde:

"Follow the grease stain that is the disingenuous drifter's career path: ?

In 2003, his first year as a head coach at the University of Louisville, Petrino went behind the back of his employer and his onetime boss, Tuberville, to negotiate a deal replacing him at Auburn. He held a clandestine meeting across the Ohio River from Louisville in southern Indiana with Auburn officials, two days before both the Tigers and Cardinals played their final regular-season games.

It was, by any rendering, a spectacular bit of philandering by both interested parties. Petrino lied about having any contact with Auburn officials -- until two reporters for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal confronted him with documentation of the private plane that brought the university president and athletic director into Petrino's backyard.

I was one of the two reporters. And even when faced with the evidence, Petrino resisted telling the truth until Auburn issued a statement owning up to the whole affair. Boxed into a corner, Petrino asked forgiveness and chalked it up to the inexperience of a "young coach." Louisville forgave him because he was 9-3 and his offense blew up scoreboards. It wouldn't be the last time Petrino toyed with the school's loyalties, or the last time he was forgiven for doing so. ?

In 2004, Petrino interviewed for the Notre Dame job and had discussions with Florida and Mississippi about their jobs. Then, on Dec. 7, he pledged his loyalty to Louisville. "I want to make it clear that I'm not interested in any other coaching jobs, and am happy at the University of Louisville," Petrino said. "… I'm very excited about our move into the Big East, the opportunity to play in a BCS bowl game and the chance to compete for a national championship. [school president] Dr. James Ramsey and Tom Jurich, through their hard work and dedication, have made this the best job in the country. As I've stated before, Louisville is the perfect place to raise a family and I plan for all four of my children to graduate from high school in Louisville."

On Dec. 21, Petrino signed an enhanced contract to stay with the Cardinals. On Dec. 26 -- well before the Petrino children had graduated from high school -- he interviewed with LSU to replace Saban. On Jan. 1, 2005, when it became obvious that he'd lost out to Les Miles, Petrino pulled out of consideration. On the inside, several Louisville administrators were disappointed they had to keep him. They were sick of the game -- but there was no firing a guy who just went 12-1. Bobby Petrino lost more games (10) in a partial NFL season than he did in four full seasons as a college head coach. ? In 2005, Petrino interviewed with the Oakland Raiders. That's after telling people for years that he had no interest in coaching the pros -- college was where he wanted to be. He ultimately turned down the job and professed his commitment to the Cardinals again. ?

On July 13, 2006, Petrino signed a 10-year contract worth up to $25 million -- a staggering deal for a school of Louisville's modest football heritage and fan base. The day he signed it, Petrino vowed again that Louisville was home. He made a point of insisting that a $1 million buyout provision be put into the contract, putting his money where his dissembling mouth is. "We did want to make a statement," the disingenuous drifter said that day about the buyout. "… I wanted to make sure everyone understood -- I know I've said it -- that this is where I want to be, where my family wants to be. But I want everyone to really believe it."

Sure, he wanted everyone to believe it. Not because it was true, of course. Just because he was tired of answering questions about his wandering eye. Five months later, he was gone to Atlanta. Even this time around, there have been recent pronouncements of commitment to the task at hand and the people who write his checks. On Nov. 26, Petrino told the Associated Press that he was staying in Atlanta. "I haven't given it [college coaching vacancies] one bit of thought," he said. Shockingly, that didn't hold up, either. Early in his career, Rick Pitino was famously called Larry Brown on training wheels.

Petrino isn't Larry Brown on training wheels; he's Larry Brown in a Maserati."

Edited December 13, 2007 by LongJim

SCREAMING EAGLE-66 · December 13, 2007

---An ESPN commentator had the best answer why he is really a rat... His resigning doesn't just effect him personally. It effects all the coaches he hired to go there, their families, and the staff in general (trainers and even some behind the scenes and office staff) who moved there . They were commenting that after Jimmy Johnson went to Dallas, he went 1-15 and felt terrible and decided that going back to a college (at least quickly) was not an option because he had hired people that effected about 30 families and that he could not do that to them. He just rolled up his sleeves and said they need to improve and rapidly. He showed a lot more class than new Arkie coach. It worked out for him.. Changing levels (hello Dodge) is difficult and the game is not exactly the same, what works at one level may not be very successful at the next because the opponents have a lot more talent and speed.

----Petrino just "gave up" and quit and to heck with everyone else. He did not even have the "character" to finish one season and put everyone on his staff into a bad situation. This was not a mutual agreement by him and the Falcons for him to disappear midseason. He is a totally selfish Hogg.

---When Weis took the Notre Dame job he finished the year with the Patriots before going to South Bend... Everyone knew he was going to leave but was finishing the year at NE even though they went to the Super Bowl and had an extended season. ...... No doubt it hurt recruiting that first year but he lived up to his agreement. ND probably wishes he would leave now...LOL.

UNTflyer · December 13, 2007

If there is any justice in the world, Petrino will coach Arkansas to a mediocre 7-5 season and play the Peach Bowl where the good citizens of Atlanta will make his trip an enjoyable one (re: the Five Diamond review guy in 'Ocean's 13').

December 13, 2007

I really can't be swayed on his NFL job.

Nor do I care if an employee is interviewing or fishing for other jobs while they are still employed elsewhere.

My opinions on this aren't based on FOOTBALL, it is based on the employee/employer relationship.

Are their people affected by his quick decision? Yes, of course. Are they adults? Does this happen all the time?

I can't go 6 months at my job without "organizational changes" that moves management around and cancels projects.

The Falcon's will survive. Louisville is doing well. Arkansas got their coach. And we all live to sleep another night.

I don't see why so many people are scathing mad about how he quit.

Cerebus will tell you about my one situation where I quit a job and told my employer I would work out the rest of the month (you know, coach the remainding 3 games) and then would be taking a job elsewhere. This boss yelled at me and then pretty much had me escorted out of the building because he was soooo mad at my disloyalty. In hindsight, I wish I would have pulled a Petrino and packed my stuff, then went home and called in my resignation the next day

The Fake Lonnie Finch · December 13, 2007

Wow. Page after page of the milk-and-cookies crowd wanting Bobby Petrino to kiss an NFL owner's butt. One of the NFL owners who would take the game off of network television for more of the almighty dollar. An NFL owner who routinely signs players to multi-year deals, then cuts them if they are injured, or don't perform up to expectations, or just because the wind is blowing out of the south today instead of the north.

Get real. It's a business. Look at ticket prices. Look at prices of jerseys. Look at who goes to the pro bowls. It's not about talent, hard work, and loyalty in the NFL anymore. It's about money for the owners and advertisers. It's about selling stuff with team logos on it. This isn't the NFL of Randy White, Kenny Stabler, and Lynn Swann.

It's amazing that some of you don't see it. Truly. As screwed over as our own alma mater and its conference is for television dollars, you take up for the side of the folks that would continue to screw you. It's not enough that the owners have a fat network television contract. They now want cable money as well. And, they'll keep games off of network television just to prove their point.

Then, they'll go whine to politicians that someone besides them is trying to make money, league commissioner in tow. Listening to Jerry Jones complain that someone else is trying to make money is the very height of hypocrisy and absurdity. The man is nothing but a prostitute. How loyal to Dallas County was Jerry Jones with his Dallas Cowboys? A billionaire out pimping his team for any city that would give him about $400 million dollars in its taxpayers money. Sympathy for an NFL owner...no way.

I, for one, say good for Petrino. For once, the owner is screwed on a contract instead of a coach or player. Atlanta is a microcosm of what's wrong with the NFL. They keep a bad quarterback signed and starting because his jersey sells even when they fail to make the playoffs year after year. The only reason they ultimately cut ties with him was he got felony charges and was sent to prison. Before that, win, lose, or draw ATL made the king's ransom in Vick jerseys and other assorted collectible crap.

You think the NFL isn't about money over talent? Look at the Dolphins giving Ricky Williams another chance after all of the disloyalty and disdain he's shown his teams and teammates. You think the owner of the Dolphins gives a flying rat's ass? No. He knows idiots from the Miami to L.A. will be out buying #34 jerseys to wear with their marijuana leaf hats and jewelry.

Stupid.

Hurray for Bobby Petrino. Screw the NFL, its owners, and the crappy product they've been putting on the field for well over a decade now. It's good to see one of those old, money-grubbing fatasses get it shoved back in their faces. And, put Arkansas - or where ever Bobby Petrino coaches - down as my second favorite team from here on out.

That's all I'll say, and I'll say no more. Fascist cretins.

Edited December 13, 2007 by The Fake Lonnie Finch

LongJim · December 13, 2007

Wow. Page after page of the milk-and-cookies crowd wanting Bobby Petrino to kiss an NFL owner's butt. One of the NFL owners who would take the game off of network television for more of the almighty dollar. An NFL owner who routinely signs players to multi-year deals, then cuts them if they are injured, or don't perform up to expectations, or just because the wind is blowing out of the south today instead of the north.
Get real. It's a business. Look at ticket prices...'that makes it ok' rationalization...blah...has nothing to do with blahblbhah...mike vick...jerseys...dallas cowboys....ad infinitum...

No milk and cookies for me, counselor.

JD, and TFLF: So basically the whole league is a pack of snakes and alleycats. Tell us something we don't know. Petrino 'stuck it to the man'. Good for him, quite frankly. I don't think many would disagree with that assessment. It's still a classless way to resign, which is what rubs me the wrong way. You want to bone your boss? Fine. Bone the fans? Okay. Why bone your players too?

That's all I'll say, and I'll say no more. Fascist cretins.

Pinhead, maybe. Not a cretin, sir.

UNTflyer · December 13, 2007

People who want to make a profit should be screwed and so it was OK for Petrino to be a jackass and leave in such an unprofessional manner? We are all motivated by money and NFL owners are no different. The fans aren't getting screwed, they are being entertained. If fans really felt like they were getting screwed, they could fix it by not attending or watching any NFL games for one week.

The company deserves to be screwed because they make more money than you will ever dream of making? Are they not paying coaches and players exorbitant salaries compared to just 15 or 20 years ago? Don't the players get a fat pension for having careers that average just 3 1/2 years? Money-grubbing fatasses? Being an American athlete is one of the few jobs in the world where the worker is paid and treated better than the manager.

As for your claim that the NFL product has been crappy, I strongly disagree. The talent and competition of the NFL has been better than ever before thanks to free agency and the salary cap. Just one example, the Super Bowls are closer and more entertaining. The average point difference of the last 10 Super Bowls is 11.5. Throw out the high and low at it was 8 1/2 points. Compare that to the previous 10 Super Bowls: 22 and 19

Anyways, football is a business just like any other. The purpose is to make a profit. And those who work in any business are rewarded for hard work and professionalism, those who act like Petrino soon find themselves shut out and scorned. Petrino may have burned his final bridge, so he better make it work in Fayetteville.

Monkeypox · December 13, 2007

Funny how nobody deals with the actual point I'm making, which is a guy who's supposed to be a coach is a lousy competitor.

Petrino in a tough game. Arkansas is behind against a top SEC opponent.

"C'mon, guys, don't quit on me now! Wait, hold on a sec. Got an important call. Could be Ole Miss calling me back. Gotta have options if we lose, you know."

I don't care that he screwed over an owner, but arguing that it's NOT crappy just because the owners make money is stupid, especially given that he had guaranteed money there to the tune of $24 million himself.

I'm the last guy talking about milk and cookies and poor anybody. In FACT, that's the counter-argument, that this guy who's moving his family every year is doing what's best for THEM all of the sudden. AND I shouldn't say he's not a competitor simply because he knew he didn't have the ability to actually turn Atlanta into a winner (in other words, he can't coach) and skeedaddled out of town, all the time LYING about it? Don't call him names, people whine.

Why? He sucks. Here's a message from new Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino (their desperation 2nd choice, btw):

"Hey guys, I would say to compete and try to excel, like any other coach, but, more realistically, you should really just try to find a level at which you already know you can be successful. Better to be a big fish in a small pond. But just know, if it gets tough, you can always run away."

Petrino is rightfully getting raked over the coals nationally, which is gonna hurt his ability to recruit to Arkansas, which DID just lose a ton of weapons and has a hard enough time in the SEC. If I were an Arkansas fan, I'd actually be very worried right now.

And for someone who seemingly hates Jerry Jones so much, Lonnie seems to be a big fan of the deal he just helped orchestrate for his beloved Arkansas.

GoMeanGreen1999 · December 13, 2007

If I were an Arkansas fan, I'd actually be very worried right now.

Sorry, but there are very few of us Razorback fans that very worried. In fact, try this link: www.hogville.net or www.rabidhogfans.com and you will find it for yourself. The fact is that Petrino is a very good college coach, a fairlly good recruiter and has a wealth of talent on that team. Sure DMac and some others will be gone, but don't be surprised if Felix comes back as well as a very good recruiting class.

rcade · December 14, 2007

This isn't the NFL of Randy White, Kenny Stabler, and Lynn Swann.

Given your anti-owner bellyaching, it's funny to see you lionize an era in which the owners didn't have to deal with free agency. Players were treated horribly back then, Fake.

Hurray for Bobby Petrino. Screw the NFL, its owners, and the crappy product they've been putting on the field for well over a decade now. It's good to see one of those old, money-grubbing fatasses get it shoved back in their faces. And, put Arkansas - or where ever Bobby Petrino coaches - down as my second favorite team from here on out.

Love the "or where ever Bobby Petrino coaches" part.

UNTLifer · December 14, 2007

Wow. Page after page of the milk-and-cookies crowd wanting Bobby Petrino to kiss an NFL owner's butt. One of the NFL owners who would take the game off of network television for more of the almighty dollar. An NFL owner who routinely signs players to multi-year deals, then cuts them if they are injured, or don't perform up to expectations, or just because the wind is blowing out of the south today instead of the north.
Get real. It's a business. Look at ticket prices. Look at prices of jerseys. Look at who goes to the pro bowls. It's not about talent, hard work, and loyalty in the NFL anymore. It's about money for the owners and advertisers. It's about selling stuff with team logos on it. This isn't the NFL of Randy White, Kenny Stabler, and Lynn Swann.
It's amazing that some of you don't see it. Truly. As screwed over as our own alma mater and its conference is for television dollars, you take up for the side of the folks that would continue to screw you. It's not enough that the owners have a fat network television contract. They now want cable money as well. And, they'll keep games off of network television just to prove their point.
Then, they'll go whine to politicians that someone besides them is trying to make money, league commissioner in tow. Listening to Jerry Jones complain that someone else is trying to make money is the very height of hypocrisy and absurdity. The man is nothing but a prostitute. How loyal to Dallas County was Jerry Jones with his Dallas Cowboys? A billionaire out pimping his team for any city that would give him about $400 million dollars in its taxpayers money. Sympathy for an NFL owner...no way.
I, for one, say good for Petrino. For once, the owner is screwed on a contract instead of a coach or player. Atlanta is a microcosm of what's wrong with the NFL. They keep a bad quarterback signed and starting because his jersey sells even when they fail to make the playoffs year after year. The only reason they ultimately cut ties with him was he got felony charges and was sent to prison. Before that, win, lose, or draw ATL made the king's ransom in Vick jerseys and other assorted collectible crap.
You think the NFL isn't about money over talent? Look at the Dolphins giving Ricky Williams another chance after all of the disloyalty and disdain he's shown his teams and teammates. You think the owner of the Dolphins gives a flying rat's ass? No. He knows idiots from the Miami to L.A. will be out buying #34 jerseys to wear with their marijuana leaf hats and jewelry.
Stupid.
Hurray for Bobby Petrino. Screw the NFL, its owners, and the crappy product they've been putting on the field for well over a decade now. It's good to see one of those old, money-grubbing fatasses get it shoved back in their faces. And, put Arkansas - or where ever Bobby Petrino coaches - down as my second favorite team from here on out.
That's all I'll say, and I'll say no more. Fascist cretins.

Pretty typical you would agree with his actions.

I have no problem with the man taking the job, but there is a way to do things, and Petrino chose the wrong way. His actions reflect a lack of class and character. Don't let other's actions rule yours.