Pac-12 Landscape Changes With UW's Petersen's Impending Resignation

After six largely successful seasons at Washington, head coach Christ Petersen announced his resignation, effective following the Huskies yet-to-be-decided bowl game in December. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has been named his replacement. Petersen will reportedly still be involved in an advisory role in some capacity.

“It has been a privilege and a professional dream fulfilled to be part of this world-class institution,” said Petersen in a press release. “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 had a career record of 146-38 during his eight seasons at Boise State and six years at Washington, included a 54-26 record as Huskies head coach, leading UW to two Pac-12 championships in 2016 and 2018 as well as a College Football Playoff appearance in 2016

“I could not be more excited about taking over as head football coach at the University of Washington,” Lake said in a press release. “I’ve been dreaming of this opportunity for as long as I can remember and I can’t think of a better place to do it than in the world-class city of Seattle and at such a prestigious university with a rich football tradition. This wouldn’t be possible without the mentorship of Coach Petersen and I would like to thank him for everything he has done for me, as well as Jen Cohen for entrusting me with this opportunity.”