Louisville Hires Petrino

Auburn offensive coordinator Bob Petrino was hired as Louisville’s coach Monday, replacing his former boss who moved to Michigan State.

Petrino follows John L. Smith, who left the Cardinals last week after five seasons, including a school-record 11 victories in 2001.

“We’re going to play an exciting brand of football and hopefully put some lights up on that scoreboard,” Petrino said.

Petrino, 41, signed a five-year contract with a base salary of $450,000, plus up to $250,000 a year in incentives.

Petrino was Smith’s offensive coordinator during his first season at Louisville in 1998. The Cardinals went 7-5 and led the nation in total offense (560 yards a game) and scoring offense (40 points).

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