Falcons 'Petrino Resigns, May Coach Arkansas

ATLANTA, Ga. — Bobby Petrino resigned as Atlanta Falcons coach yesterday, having lasted only 13 games with the NFL team. A person within the league told the Associated Press that Petrino quit to return to the college ranks at Arkansas.

He left Louisville in January to become Atlanta's coach for a five-year, $24 million contract, largely because the Falcons felt he could help star quarterback Michael Vick reach his full potential. A few months later, Vick came under investigation for a grisly dogfighting operation that eventually led him to plead guilty to federal charges. He was sentenced Monday to 23 months in prison without ever taking a snap for Petrino.

A source familiar with Petrino's decision, speaking on condition of anonymity because the school had not made an official announcement, said he was going to Arkansas. The Razorbacks have been looking for a coach for two weeks to replace Houston Nutt, who resigned after a tumultuous season and took the Mississippi job.

The school had no immediate comment on its coaching search.

The Falcons declined further comment beyond a terse, two-paragraph statement released last night. Owner Arthur Blank and general manager Rich McKay were scheduled to hold a news conference today.

There was no immediate word who would take over as head coach for the final three games, though defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson would be the most logical candidates.

Petrino did not answer his cell phone or a call placed to his Atlanta-area home.