The University of Washington has announced Chris Petersen will be the school’s next head football coach. Petersen leaves Boise State after 13 years, eight of which he served as head coach.
Washington made the announcement official Friday morning with a news release.
"On behalf of the University of Washington and the entire Husky Nation, I am proud to welcome Chris Petersen as our new head football coach," Washington athletic director Scott Woodward said.
"Coach Petersen's success and record are extraordinary, but even more impressive is the man himself. His integrity, work ethic and character make him an outstanding fit and leader of our student-athletes at UW. We are thrilled and proud to call Coach Petersen a Husky."
Peterson won national coach-of-the-year awards three times. He led Boise State to a 92-12 record and two BCS bowl berths.
ESPN reportedFriday morning that Petersen accepted the job at a meeting with Washington officials Thursday night in Boise.
Administrators at Boise State praised Petersen’s work at the university. The school issued statements from President Bob Kustra and Director of Athletics Mark Coyle.
“We wish Chris Petersen and his family all the best in their future endeavors," Coyle said. "Chris is an outstanding coach and role model, and we know he’ll be successful at Washington. We have started a national search for our next head football coach at Boise State and will work tirelessly to find the perfect fit to continue the ascension of Bronco football."
"I know Bronco Nation joins me in thanking Chris Petersen for all he did to advance Boise Sate’s football program over the past 13 years," Kustra said. "He is not only a great coach but a great person and an asset to the community. We were lucky to have him at Boise State and Washington is lucky to get him. We wish Chris and Barbara the very best."
In his written statement, Kustra went on to say Boise State's football program was built "one brick at a time." Kustra says the university's football program has advanced steadily over the years.
"We will be looking forward, not backward, making sure that we continue that success. Bronco Nation deserves no less," Kustra says.
Kustra and Coyle are not being made available to reporters today.
Petersen is expected to be formally introduced as the Huskie's next coach at a press conference Monday in Seattle.
Boise State announced assistant coach Bob Gregory will take over as interim head coach.
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