Chris Petersen Steps Down At Washington, Jimmy Lake Named New Head Coach

We have breaking news! A bomb just shook up the entire college football landscape. University of Washington head coach Chris Petersen has stepped down as head football coach. Jimmy Lake has already been named the new head coach. The change will take place after the Washington Bowl game. Peterson will now serve as an advisor to the program. WOW!

Washington already released a press release regarding the news:

“SEATTLE – Chris Petersen announced Monday that he will step down from his position as University of Washington head football coach following the Huskies’ bowl game. UW Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen has named current defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake the new head coach of the Huskies. Petersen will transition into a leadership advisory role for Husky Athletics.”

Petersen also had this to say about his decision:

“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.”

Petersen will throw away the clipboard with a career record of 146-38. That includes 8 years at Boise State and 6 years at Washington. Pedersen has been a great coach everywhere he’s been. He had the historic run at Boise with the statue of liberty play in the Bowl game win over Oklahoma. He’s helped turn Washington into one of the best teams in the Pac 12. From 2016-2018, Petersen led Washington to New Year’s 6 Bowls in each season.

You never want to lose a coach like Petersen. Especially given how sudden the announcement was. Jimmy Lake will get the job now who has been the defensive coordinator from 2016 to now. Washington led the Pac 12 in total defense from 2016-2018. Let’s hope he’s the right man for the job.