SEATTLE — Editor's Note: The video above is Boise State coach Bryan Harsin reacting to the announcement on Chris Petersen stepping down as the Huskies' head coach during his weekly press conference.
Former Boise State football coach Chris Petersen is stepping down from his position as head coach of the University of Washington Huskies.
The university announced the change on Monday. Current defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will take over the head coach position.
"It has been a privilege and a professional dream fulfilled to be part of this world-class institution," Petersen said in a release. "I will forever be grateful, honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to coach our fine young men on Montlake for these past six seasons. I thank each of them, as well as our coaches and administrative staff for the incredible commitment they've made to Husky football during my tenure. The football program and Husky Athletics across the board will continue to prosper – and do it the right way – with Jen Cohen's leadership and the University administration's commitment to excellence. I'll be a Husky for life, but now is the right time for me to step away from my head coaching duties, and recharge."
Petersen led the Broncos for eight years. Between his time at Boise State and six years at UW, he compiled a career record of 146-38.
He led the Broncos to the Fiesta Bowl in 2007 and 2010, which firmly placed Boise State in the national spotlight of the college football landscape.
UW Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen said Petersen will remain on the coaching staff.
"Chris has been transformational for not only our football program but our entire athletic department," Cohen said. "It has been such a privilege to watch how he has been so committed to the development of our young men, not just on the field, but more importantly off. I can't thank him enough for his service and leadership, and I look forward to having him stay on staff in a leadership advisory role, so he can continue to impact individuals across our department and the entire campus."