ATLANTA, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons Coach Bobby Petrino resigned Tuesday, just 13 games into his first season in the NFL.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported confirmation from the Falcons that Petrino called the team at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday and informed them of his decision.
The newspaper added that Petrino will take the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas.
Petrino signed a five-year, $24-million deal in the offseason to take over the Falcons after having a successful run as head coach of the University of Louisville.
The Falcons have been struggling all season in the wake of the Michael Vick federal dogfighting case. Vick, who had been the Falcons' starting quarterback, was sentenced Monday to 23 months in prison for his role in the dogfighting ring.
Monday night, the Falcons 34-14 to the New Orleans Saints to fall to 3-10 for the season.
Petrino's replacement has not been named. It was reported that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer might take over on an interim basis.
