Well, no one expected that.
University of Washington official statement: https://gohuskies.com/news/2019/12/2/football-petersen-to-step-down-lake-named-new-huskies-head-coach.aspx
Just one day after Black Sunday, we have been dealt the most shocking coaching change of the cycle. Was it a firing? No, Chris Petersen has stepped down as head coach of the Washington Huskies. In addition, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will take over as head coach.
This comes as a shocking move as Petersen, 55, just won the conference last season. In an official statement, Petersen cited a need to “recharge’ as a reason for stepping down. He will remain with the athletic department in a “leadership advisory role”.
Petersen rose to fame for his BCS busting 2009 Boise State team, which upset Oklahoma in the Fiesta bowl. Long considered one of the best offensive minds in football, Peterson coached Boise State from 2006-2013. Upon taking the Washington job in 2014, Petersen compiled a 54-26 record, including a playoff appearance, two Pac-12 championships, and 6-0 record against Washington State in the Apple Cup.
However, since the playoff appearance, each season seemed to drop off a little bit, culminating in a 7-5 record this season. Petersen, who liked the anonymity of both Boise State and Washington, may simply be burnt out, and hopefully there are no other health issues.
Many conspiracy theories may point to Petersen as leaving for another job, but that does not seem like him. You shouldn’t be shocked if he coaches again, but he’ll likely be a hot commodity in a year or two, not this offseason.
What’s next for Washington?
Luckily for the Huskies, they have a handpicked replacement already on staff. Jimmy Lake, DC and mortal enemy of Mike Leach, is now the head coach. Not interim, but official, meaning no coaching search. Lake has turned down numerous jobs in the past, and now it seems pretty clear why. Similar to Ryan Day at Ohio State, he knew he would be the successor.
Lake had been with Petersen since 2012, and at only 42 years old, is considered one of the bright young defensive minds in football. This season, he coached the 40th ranked defense in the nation, most recently shutting out Mike Leach’s high powered air raid attack in the Apple Cup. Lake’s familiarity with the program and players should make for a fairly seamless transition, and the biggest question will be if he is ready for full head coaching duties.
However, the Huskies still have one game left and Petersen announced he will coach the bowl game. Expect the Huskies to play hard to allow their coach to go out on top. Also, keep an eye on Lake, who Petersen might allow to have more control than usual.
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