In a season of unprecedented adversity for the Atlanta Falcons, the team sustained another blow early Tuesday evening--its rookie head coach quit after 13 games. The team has confirmed Bobby Petrino resigned his post. Reports indicate that he will return to the college gridiron to coach the University of Arkansas.
The abrupt move by Petrino comes only a day after the team's once-star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting operation. Monday night, the Falcons lost for the 10th time in 13 games this season--a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Petrino in January signed a 5-year, 24.5 million dollar contract to leave his college job at Louisville and coach the Falcons. Soon after, troubles out of his control began--mainly revolving around Vick. On January 17th airport officials in Miami seized a water bottle from Vick with a hidden compartment. Later tests revealed there was no illegal substance, with Vick cleared of wrongdoing. But in April an investigation of Vick's Virginia residence turned-up evidence of a dogfighting operation. Vick's major legal troubles grew from there, resulting in his prison sentence Monday. The absence of Vick and dark cloud over the team from off-the-field distractions has been a factor in the Falcons' dismal on-field performance.
Some Falcon players at different times this season have had vocal issues with how Petrino has handled the team.
Before Monday night's game, Petrino reportedly was asked by team owner Arthur Blank whether he intended to be with the Falcons in 2008. Petrino told Blank he definitely would return as coach. That changed late Tuesday afternoon.
The Falcons have called a 2pm Wednesday news conference to address their coaching situation.
The abrupt move by Petrino comes only a day after the team's once-star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting operation. Monday night, the Falcons lost for the 10th time in 13 games this season--a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Petrino in January signed a 5-year, 24.5 million dollar contract to leave his college job at Louisville and coach the Falcons. Soon after, troubles out of his control began--mainly revolving around Vick. On January 17th airport officials in Miami seized a water bottle from Vick with a hidden compartment. Later tests revealed there was no illegal substance, with Vick cleared of wrongdoing. But in April an investigation of Vick's Virginia residence turned-up evidence of a dogfighting operation. Vick's major legal troubles grew from there, resulting in his prison sentence Monday. The absence of Vick and dark cloud over the team from off-the-field distractions has been a factor in the Falcons' dismal on-field performance.
Some Falcon players at different times this season have had vocal issues with how Petrino has handled the team.
Before Monday night's game, Petrino reportedly was asked by team owner Arthur Blank whether he intended to be with the Falcons in 2008. Petrino told Blank he definitely would return as coach. That changed late Tuesday afternoon.
The Falcons have called a 2pm Wednesday news conference to address their coaching situation.
