Washington Huskies head coach Chris Peterson has surprisingly stepped down, the school announced today. Talented and on-the-rise defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will replace Peterson.
"It has been a privilege and a professional dream fulfilled to be part of this world-class institution," Petersen said. "I will forever be grateful, honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to coach our fine young men on Montlake for these past six seasons. I thank each of them, as well as our coaches and administrative staff for the incredible commitment they've made to Husky football during my tenure. The football program and Husky Athletics across the board will continue to prosper – and do it the right way – with Jen Cohen's leadership and the University administration's commitment to excellence. I'll be a Husky for life, but now is the right time for me to step away from my head coaching duties, and recharge."
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Peterson will serve within the athletic department. It's a stunning move, given Peterson's success and youth. He's only 55. He will coach in the bowl game for the Huskies.
This is just the latest in a multitude of coaching moves so far. Below is the complete list of Coaching Candidate Lists so far from Chat Sports:
Ole Miss Head Coach Candidates
UNLV Head Coach Candidates
Arkansas Head Coach Candidates
FSU Head Coach Candidates
Lake is among the best defensive coordinators in college football and had drawn head coaching interest before. Perhaps this is a Lincoln Riley/Bob Stoops type of move.
"I could not be more excited about taking over as head football coach at the University of Washington," said Jimmy Lake. "I've been dreaming of this opportunity for as long as I can remember and I can't think of a better place to do it than in the world-class city of Seattle and at such a prestigious university with a rich football tradition. This wouldn't be possible without the mentorship of Coach Petersen and I would like to thank him for everything he has done for me, as well as Jen Cohen for entrusting me with this opportunity."
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Petersen posted a career record of 146-38. He coached his eight seasons at Boise State and six years at Washington.
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