BOBBY PETRINO APPOINTED AS FALCONS NEW HEAD COACH

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons announced that Bobby Petrino has been named the club’s new head coach. The Falcons moved quickly to replace Head Coach Jim Mora, who was released at the end of the 2006 Falcons season. The Falcons missed the playoffs the past two years, including a 7-9 mark this season.
Joining the Falcons from the University of Louisville, Petrino, 45, has compiled a 41-9 overall record as the head coach of the Cardinals the past four years. During his tenure, Petrino put the Cardinals football program on the national map, earning the reputation as one of college football’s top coaches and offensive minds.

“This is an exciting day for the Atlanta Falcons franchise,” said Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “Bobby Petrino is an extremely talented football coach who has done some tremendously innovative things as both an offensive coordinator and head coach, and he brings to us a record of success at the collegiate and professional levels. There is no question that he has a sharp mind, he is demanding and disciplined, and he is a motivator and developer of players. In short, he’s a difference maker who will bring a strong identity to the Falcons – one our team will by into and take on as their own.”
Petrino's previous NFL experience includes three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including two seasons as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in 2001. He then moved back to the college ranks, taking over as Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2002 before heading to Louisville.  
Petrino’s Cardinals finished the 2006 season ranked No. 5 in the country – their highest ranking in school history. The 12-1 Cardinals capped the 2006 season last week with a 24-13 win over No. 15th ranked Wake Forest in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

“First and foremost, I thank Arthur and Rich for what I truly feel is the best job in the National Football League,” Petrino said. “I am excited about the challenge that awaits me in Atlanta, and I’m equally excited about the potential that I see in this team. I look forward to getting to know the players.

“I also want to thank University of Louisville president Dr. James Ramsey and Director of Athletics Tom Jurich for all they have done for me and my family,” Petrino added. “I’ll never forget my time as a member of the Cardinals family.”

Please contact Reggie Roberts of the Falcons Football Communications Staff if you have any questions or concerns.

# # #