Bobby Petrino is out of work and interested in the coaching vacancy at Kentucky, the Courier-Journal reports.
Kentucky announced on Sunday that Joker Phillips would not return as head coach of the football team next season after a 1-9 start to this season. The Wildcats are in the market for a new head coach, and Petrino reportedly is interested in the job.
Petrino has been out of work since being fired by Arkansas in April for his affair with co-worker Jessica Dorrell and attempted coverup of the relationship. Columnist Adam Himmelsbach spoke with Petrino’s father, who says that his son is itching to coach again and that he would love to return to the SEC.
“I know he wants a job; he needs a job … He just misses coaching so much,” Petrino Sr. told the Courier-Journal.
“I just know this, that he’s interested in Kentucky,” the father said. “He wants to stay in the SEC. That was his life’s goal was to go to the SEC.”
It seems like the interest from Kentucky fans is mutual. A poll on WDRB has eight potential head coach replacements listed, and 29% of voters say they want Petrino as the team’s next head coach — more than any other candidate. Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is second on the poll with 18% of votes.
Though the fans seem to want Petrino, the school may not. Yahoo! Sports’ Pat Forde reported on Sunday that Kentucky is not considering Petrino for the job. But between this report and the fans’ desire, they may reconsider.
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