Western Kentucky will not conduct an extensive search to replace Bobby Petrino, reportedly promoting offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm to head coach.
SB Nation's Steven Godfrey and Football Scoop reported the news just hours after Petrino's introductory press conference at Louisville. Western Kentucky president Gary Ransdell had already identified Brohm as a leading candidate, and Godfrey reported that his promotion has been part of a contingency plan put in place when Petrino was hired.
Brohm had been unofficially promised the job when he arrived as offensive coordinator, which was meant as a contingency against Petrino leaving. That move was made to help create system consistency on offense and bridge recruiting. WKU didn't figure Petrino would be around long, and those suspicions were warranted.
The former Louisville quarterback began his college coaching career began with the Cardinals under Bobby Petrino in 2003. He remained on staff, through the transition from Petrino to Steve Kragthorpe, until 2008 before joining Howard Schnellenberger at FAU and then short stints at Illinois and UAB. Brohm then rejoined Petrino at Western Kentucky, serving as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2013.
Western Kentucky's offense led the Sun Belt in yards per play (6.29) and ranked No. 29 nationally in 2013. The Hilltoppers finished 8-4 but did not receive an invitation to play a bowl game.
