Chris Petersen to interview for Washington Huskies job

Chris Petersen has been unwilling to leave Boise State despite being pursued for many head coaching jobs, but he is willing to interview for the current Washington Huskies vacancy.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported on Thursday that Petersen is scheduled to interview for the job on Friday. Washington also was scheduled to interview Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier on Thursday, McMurphy reports.

Huskies beat reporter for The Seattle Times Adam Jude confirmed that Petersen is scheduled to interview for the job on Friday.

This report is somewhat shocking. Petersen was the Boise State offensive coordinator from 2001-2005 and took over the head coaching position after Dan Hawkins left. He has gone 92-12 since taking over in the 2006 season, and he famously led the Broncos to a victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl by pulling out the Statue of Liberty play.

Petersen has been pursued for the USC and UCLA jobs on two occasions but elected to remain with Boise State. He declined every other offer to come his way. Coming off his worst season — an 8-4 year — will he finally be willing to move on?

Nussmeier could also be a strong possibility for the job. He was an offensive coordinator under Steve Sarkisian at Washington from 2009-2011 before going to Bama. Jude reports that Nussmeier has expressed interest in the job.