After only 13 games as coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Booby Petrino unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday, and made his way into the Arkansas football team. Petrino left Louisville in January, signing a 5-year contract worth $24 million with the Falcons, replacing Huston Nutt, who became the coach for the Mississippi two weeks ago. The announcement came after the game lost to the New Orleans Saints (34-14) on Monday night. Jeff Long, Arkansas’ incoming athletic director, introduced Petrino as the new coach on a news conference later that day.

Speaking about his new position, Petrino said: “It is a tremendous honor for me to be named the 30th head coach at Arkansas, particularly on a night when we honored coach Broyles for his 50 years service. He’s such a legend, and I can’t wait to develop a friendship with him.”

His abruptly ending career as coach of the Atlanta Falcons came after a disastrous 3-10 and rumors that he will be sent back to where he came from – Louisville college campus. The lack of consistency in the last seven games, the numerous quarterback changes, the 23 months in prison quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to and the unhappy fans were something Petrino had to deal with for some time now.

“Today was a day of decision. It was difficult on one side, very easy on the other. It was difficult to leave Atlanta, the staff, players, fans…Coming to Arkansas was the easy part,” said Petrino. But seeing him gone made a positive impact on the players, who never quite got used to his tougher and more disciplined style.

Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta falcons, and Rich Mckay, are expected to hold a news conference today on the new coach, but no details have been unveiled on the matter.