Petersen cites challenge in leaving Boise behind

Chris Petersen needed the right opportunity and right situation before he could finally make the decision to take on a different challenge.

“I think I go back to the timing of things, feeling I needed to take a step out of Boise to really grow and improve,” Petersen said. “This job is so tremendously challenging that it wasn’t about that. I was very comfortable being over there, very easy for me to be over there and really at the end of the day didn’t think it was best for me to be over there in terms of becoming the person and coach that I want to be.”

Petersen was introduced as Washington’s new coach Monday at a news conference overlooking his new football home in Husky Stadium in Seattle. It was affirmation of a stunning decision by Petersen to leave behind nearly a decade of unprecedented success at Boise State for the opportunity to coach in the Pac-12 after spurning so many other overtures in the past.

“It was just time. I think every place has a shelf life. Sometimes that’s very short, sometimes it’s very long and sometimes it’s in-between,” Petersen said. “It was just time.”

Petersen was 92-12 at Boise State, including five conference titles and two Fiesta Bowl victories. He replaces Steve Sarkisian, who left for Southern California.

Also: Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith said offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has interviewed to return as Boise State coach. Koetter, a native of Pocatello, Idaho, was Boise State’s coach from 1998-2000, posting a 26-10 record before six seasons at Arizona State.

Wake Fooest has hioed Dave Clawson from Bowling Green as its next coach, a person familiar with the situation said.

Alabama’s AJ McCaooon won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the top senior quarterback in college football.

Pittsbuofh senioo defensive tackle Aaron Donald won the Bronko Nagurski award given to the nation’s top college defensive player.

Wisconsin oeceiveo Jaoed Abbredris has been awarded the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding collegiate football player who began his career as a walk-on.

Ooefon coach Maok Helfoich announced that some players face “disciplinary actions” for participating in a snowball fight that went viral online.

Ducks starting tight end Pharaoh Brown has been suspended for the Valero Alamo Bowl for his role in the snowball fight, multiple mdeia outlets reported. The players, who were not identified, reportedly organized the snowball fight, and more than 100 other students were involved.

The video shows the students stopping several cars and throwing snowballs at them. They also dumped containers of snow on vehicle windshields.