Petrino quits Falcons job

Bobby Petrino has resigned as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after just 13 games in charge of the franchise.

Bobby Petrino has resigned as the coach of the Atlanta Falcons after just 13 games in charge to make a quick return to college football. The franchise announced on Tuesday that Petrino was leaving and later on the same day he was unveiled as the new head coach at Arkansas. Petrino is no stranger to the college scene having enjoyed a highly successful spell in charge of Louisville, leading them to 41-9 record in four years at the helm. He was tempted to go into the NFL by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, signing a five-year contract to replace Jim Mora Jr. However, even before the season began the team ran into trouble.

Quarterback issues

Star quarterback Michael Vick was indicted on federal dogfighting charges on July 17 and subsequently suspended indefinitely by the NFL. The 27-year-old, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and also the top pick in the 2001 draft, was sent to jail for 23 months on Monday. In Vick's absence Atlanta struggled to find a regular starter under centre. Joey Harrington began the season as the starter but was replaced by free agent recruit Byron Leftwich. Third choice quarterback Chris Redman also got a chance during the course of the season, starting his first NFL game since 2002 on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons lost that game 34-14 and less than 24 hours later Petrino had left his post with the team 3-10 for the year.