COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

Petersen: Anxiety, stress contributed to departure

Lindyssports.com Staff

December 04, 2019 at 9:19 am.

Chris Petersen said that after more than three decades in football, he knew the time had come to step down as head coach of the Washington Huskies just days before last Friday’s annual Apple Cup.

“It becomes a lot of frustration and anxiety and stress. And some of the excitement and positivity and optimism can be pushed away, and that’s never a way to lead your life,” Petersen, 55, told reporters in Seattle on Tuesday.

He met the media with new coach Jimmy Lake, promoted from the defensive coordinator position, and athletic director Jennifer Cohen and discussed what is ahead for him.

It’s clear he doesn’t plan to retire, and he wouldn’t rule out coaching again — “I’m not falling into that trick question,” he said – but he wants to explore other avenues. He will stay involved with the Huskies athletic department in a leadership advisory role as he finds his new path.

“I’ve just got to figure out where all this energy and this passion and inspiration goes, and I don’t want it to be on the football field,” Petersen said. “I’m excited to see what this whole thing takes, because I do have a lot of thoughts and ideas and passion for helping others. I’ve been through so many things in this business, so many things, that I think I can help other people in this business and maybe outside of it.

“And I have a lot to learn as well. Look, I’m excited to really go learn some things that I haven’t been able to figure out in my mind as well as I would like to.”

Petersen guided Washington to a 7-5 record this season and a 54-26 mark in six seasons. He led the Huskies to Pac-12 Conference championships in 2016 and 2018 and to the College Football Playoffs in 2016.

Petersen compiled a 92-12 record in eight seasons at Boise State (2006-13) before moving on to Washington. His .793 career winning percentage (146-38) ranks second among active coaches with at least five years of FBS experience.

The Huskies wrapped up the 2019 regular season with a 31-13 win against rival Washington State in the Apple Cup last Friday. The Huskies will learn their bowl destination Sunday.