Bobby Petrino No Longer Head Hog

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ImagesRumors were flying today as they have been the last few days. Around 6pm this evening it was announced that Jeff Long the Athletic Director for the University of Arkansas was going to hold a press conference at 715pm. Rumors got even wilder upon this news. It wasn't long after this that news of Petrino's firing was coming out. Joe Schad of ESPN was one of the first that I saw breaking the news on Twitter. Shortly before 7pm the AP and other credible news sources had confirmed the firing. Jeff Long didn't start the presser till closer to 730pm. He then stated that Coach Petrino would not be returning to the team. He also reveled some new details like the relationship has gone on for "some" time. There is also this new detail of a $20,000 gift to Jessica Dorrell the mistress/co-worker. My feelings have changed some on Coach. With the right provisions I would still like to have seen Petrino remain the Coach but I respect Jeff's decision. With the new details I lost a little respect for Petrino, but with the way Jeff Long handled the press conference I gained a lot for him. Long gave me the encouragement that he will get the program back on track to accomplishing the goals of winning the SEC and National Championship titles. Long said he will start the coaching search immediately following the press conference. He also named Taver Johnson as the acting head coach till Spring Football is over in late April and then will make a decision going forward after that.

 Not long after the press confrence Bobby Petrino released a statement through his agent. You can read the statement here. He basically says he is sorry and hopes the school has success. The big question now is who will be the new Head Hog. There is a short list already started by fans and national pundits alike. That list includes: Former Assistants Garrick McGee(Current Head Coach at UAB) and Gus Malzahn(Current Head Coach at A-State), Former UNC Coach Butch Davis, Current USF Coach Skip Holtz, Current Baylor Coach Art Briles, and others. I for one want a coach that has already proven what he can do. I feel like the team the Hogs have now is primed and ready for greatness. Why mess that up with a brand new system. I would be fine with Coach Johnson or any current coach on staff continuing being the interim coach through the upcoming season. After the season then make a choice to either keep the current coach or get a guy that will get the Hogs to the promised land. There are just a few guys that could be brought in now that could change my thinking. These guys are major long shots but Bill Cowher and John Gurden are just two off the top of my head that I would be ok with coming in and seeing what they could do with the talent up on the hill right now. How do you feel about Petrino, Long and the University now?