Petrino Gets Big Deal in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have become the first team to hire a new coach this offseason, dipping into the college ranks to get Bobby Petrino of Louisville.

The hiring Sunday came six days after Falcons owner Arthur Blank fired Jim Mora following a 7-9 season. Petrino didn't come cheaply, agreeing to a five-year contract worth $24 million. He rejected the Oakland Raiders' head coaching job last offseason.

The Petrino hiring leaves four teams still looking for coaches--the Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The New York Giants could join the list if they fire Tom Coughlin on the heels of Sunday's first-round playoff loss in Philadelphia. The defeat dropped the Giants' final record for the season to 8-9.

By Mark Maske |  January 8, 2007; 11:28 AM ET  | Category:  Falcons
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