Petrino says he'll stay at Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Bobby Petrino of Louisville says he is no longer a candidate for the head football coaching job at LSU.

Petrino said Saturday he's staying at Louisville.

He had met with LSU officials who are looking for a coach to replace the NFL-bound Nick Saban.

"I have chosen to remain as the football coach at the University of Louisville, withdrawing my name from consideration at LSU," Petrino said.

"LSU has a tradition-rich program with much to offer, but as I reflect on what we've accomplished in a short time here at Louisville, we're on the brink of establishing a great program that will compete for a national championship. I want to be the coach who sees that through."

Petrino recently signed a new contract that runs through 2010 at Louisville.