Jurich-welcomes-PetrinoThe atmosphere from the beginning of the press conference was one of nervous anticipation. Many members of the University of Louisville staff, like the sportswriters and commentators on hand,  curious,  just a little uncomfortable.

Like invited guests at a wedding, looking back over their shoulders, awaiting the arrival of the bride. The looks reflecting knowledge this was the second time around for the principals, another round of promises in a relationship with lots of highs and lows the first time around. Awkward for some, curious for others, but riveting for everyone in the overflow crowd in the cramped press room, awaiting the return of the prodigal son.

Tom Jurich 2-1-8-14Tom Jurich would arrive appearing as if he hadn’t closed his eyes since Charlie Strong shocked him with the news five days ago that he was headed for the University of Texas. Jurich has agonized over his decision, had been strongly challenged and fought for that decision, knowing he had no other option but to trust that his choice works out for him.

Far from the look when Jurich was announcing the hiring of Charlie Strong as football coach four years ago when he couldn’t stop smiling. The darkness around his eyes reflecting possible those of a person still having second thoughts, still having serious doubts, wanting to be proven right and wrong at the same time.

Bobby Petrino would have the look of an individual who had just been rescued from oblivion, forgiven for his past deeds, someone eager to take advantage of the lifeline. He would say all the right things, award of the many doubters, telling everyone who would listen that the only way he could prove that he had changed was to show them through his actions.

Bobby-Petrino-1-8-14The normally expressionless and Petrino would occasionally smile, even laugh at times, wanting to reach out to his supporter and doubters. Then came the moistening in his eyes, as he talked about the darkest days of his downfall, sharing the news that he had reached out to Tom Jurich shortly after getting fired at Arkansas. Needed help with his personal life, admitting he was in despair. Saying Tom Jurich had been there when he needed him and that he would never forget. Saying that Louisville was home and that he is here to stay.

The contract is for $3.5 million annually, according to Jurich, with a $10 million buyout clause for the first four seasons. But Petrino told Jurich he could have made the buyout $100 million because he was never going to leave Louisville.

Things are lot different now for Bobby Petrino from the first time around in Louisville. The football program is loaded with talent, attendance is at all-time highs, UofL is headed for the Atlantic Coast Conference with the toughest schedule ever. Equally important UofL is in a position to contend for ACC championships and, for a goal shared by Jurich and Petrino, of possibly competing for a national championship.

Petrino says he is a changed man, but doesn’t expect fans to take his word for it. He says he wants to prove it by his actions.

Tom Jurich has heard it all before, hoping Petrino is capable of keeping his word, wanting the second marriage will to last much longer than the first time around.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

5 thoughts on “Bobby Petrino vows to remain faithful, end career at Louisville”
  1. Given the state of “sports” in general…I’d say you go with the flow. Bobby Pitrino was not my first choice (I was a Bedford guy), but in our case TJ has one of the best instincts in the business. I pledge my fandom to UL, but my faith in TJ is helping make it much easier.

  2. Everyone deserves a second chance. This is Bobby’s tenth or so. Watching the presser, though…it does seem like a kinder, gentler man as emerged. And that can happen when you almost lose the most important thing in your life…your family .

    Bobby Petrino has a genius knack for offense. Tom Jurich has a football team headed to the ACC and a lot of talent returning on a 12-1 team. Connect the dots.

    If Louisville is his “destination job”, his “home” and where he wants to retire…fine. Time will tell.

    Football sure was fun when he was here the last time. No problem returning to that scenario. This time around, though…it isn’t the BIG EAST or C-USA.

    Dice are on the table. Place your bets.

    Paulie

  3. Well, I’d like to have seen a longer, more comprehensive public search. There are many valid reasons for not dragging out the search process too long, but such a headlong rush seems uncalled for. Or, was this merely a public show to disguise a decision that has been months in the making? All other factors aside, this slam, bam couple of days leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

    1. I can see where you’re coming from, Jim, but the Strong decision came less than a month before the recruiting signing date, posing a potential drain from a good class of recruits. Tom knew one of the best coaches around was available and wanted to seal the deal quickly while he could.

  4. “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.”

    As Cardinal fans we need to embrace Bobby and welcome him back to the family. I like the fact that there is a 3x annual salary buyout in the contract. It looks like UofL will have a home and home series with Western soon. Also interesting that Bobby essentially paid Western $350k for his year as a coach there. Wise investment on his part.

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