Bobby Petrino Officially Back at Louisville

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

It’s now official.

It’s officially official. It’s as official as anything can ever be. Well, you get the point.

“It’s so great to be home.” That was the theme at this morning’s press conference as Bobby Petrino was welcomed back as the head man of the Louisville Cardinals just before their first season as a member of the ACC.

The man with one of the longest rap-sheets in sports coaching is back at the place where he has had his greatest success, after going 41-9 in his first stint from 2003-2006, before leaving to take over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. But don’t let anyone else know. Neither he nor Falcons fans (and, most likely, the Falcons organization) want any recollection of that ever happening.

While his introductory press conference was very similar to when he was introduced as WKU’s head man 13 short months ago, a lot of questions about how he has changed (he claims he now centers his life around his family, just like he did in the Harbaugh Club), Petrino did take a couple of opportunities to thank Todd Stewart and President Ransdell for giving him the opportunity to coach on the Hill, and have him bring his foot back in the door.

While contract details aren’t specific, it is a 7-year deal which includes a $10 million buyout (which, to put in perspective, is $1 million less than it cost UofL to leave the Big East). Several times Petrino not only stated that he wanted to finish his career there, but he was emotionally and “contractually obligated,” to do so.

We here at WTRT really do wish Coach Petrino the best of luck, and look forward to when UofL/WKU is scheduled for a football series.

Throughout the rest of the week, keep an eye on Wave The Red Towel for post-Petrino thoughts, and a couple of special interviews.

Stand up and cheers.