Arkansas Assistant Withdraws From WKU Consideration

By Robbie Neiswanger

Posted: November 24, 2009 at 3:14 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — Western Kentucky unveiled its new head coach Monday afternoon, but it wasn’t Paul Petrino.

The Hilltoppers named Stanford assistant Willie Taggart, a former WKU player and assistant, its head coach two days after Arkansas’ offensive coordinator interviewed for the job. It came after Petrino issued a statement saying he was no longer in the running for the position.

“I am very appreciative of the interest Western Kentucky University has shown in me,” Petrino said in a statement released by Arkansas on Monday morning. “However, Ihave withdrawn my name from consideration and my focus is on our remaining games starting this Saturday at LSU.”

Petrino, who has been Bobby Petrino’s offensive coordinator since 2003, has not been shy about his desire to become a head coach.

Petrino flew to Bowling Green, Ky., and interviewed for the position after Arkansas’ win. According to news reports in Kentucky, Petrino spent four hours in the area before returning to Fayetteville that night.

The two sides never struck a deal, though. But Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said his younger brother will get an opportunity to take over a program at some point.

“Paul is going to be a head coach,” Petrino said. “There’s no question. One thing you have to do is you have to be patient and make sure you take the right job.”

Petrino said going through the interview process could be a valuable experience, however. He also added that it was a good sign for the program when his assistants are considered for head coaching jobs at other schools.

“I think we have coaches that will be head coaches,” Petrino said. “I really believe that. I think when we have success their opportunities go up.”

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett said he was happy to see Paul Petrino still with the program Monday.

“That is a great hold for Arkansas,” Mallett said. “I mean, he is a great coach, a great receivers coach and that is going to help keep building the program.”

Sports, Pages 7 on 11/24/2009

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