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UW Hires Boise State's Petersen as Next Football Coach

University of Washington

The University of Washington has announced that Boise State’s Chris Petersen will be the Huskies’ next football coach. Petersen leaves Idaho after 13 years, during eight of which he served as the Broncos' head coach. 

Washington made the announcement official with a press release Friday morning. It marked the end of the first successful effort to lure Petersen out of Idaho. His name had been linked to numerous other jobs the last few years. Two undefeated seasons and three national coach of the year awards helped raise his stock nationally. 

In Seattle, Washington’s athletic director Scott Woodward said he was thrilled to land Petersen and that he’ll be a perfect fit. In Boise, university officials thanked Petersen, wished him well and promised to find their own perfect fit as his replacement. 

Rumors surfaced over the summer that the 49-year old Petersen was finally ready to make a move. He interviewed last weekend for the job at the University Southern California, but later withdrew. USC hired then-Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, opening the door for Petersen to take over in Seattle.

Scott comes to BSPR from WFAE in Charlotte, N.C., where he served as local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” for the past eight years. He began his new position as Morning Edition Host/Senior Editor for BSPR in 2012.