The master of the unexpected: how one coach rewrote the college football playbook
In short: In 2007, a massive underdog used a 50-yard hook-and-lateral to stun the football world. Chris Petersen didn't just coach games; he orchestrated high-stakes gambles that transformed Boise State and Washington into national powerhouses, proving that bold strategy can overcome even the most established giants.
Chris Petersen’s coaching legacy is defined by high-risk, high-reward decision-making. During the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, his Boise State Broncos faced Oklahoma, a Big 12 champion. Trailing late in the game, Petersen utilized a stunning 50-yard hook-and-lateral on 4th-and-18 to tie the score. He followed this with an option pass in overtime and a daring 'Statue of Liberty' misdirection play for a two-point conversion, securing a 43–42 victory.
His ascent was marked by rapid success and unprecedented accolades. After serving as offensive coordinator at Boise State, he was named head coach in December 2005. In his debut season, he led the Broncos to an undefeated regular season, making him one of only four rookie head coaches to reach a BCS bowl game. His brilliance earned him the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award in both 2006 and 2009, making him the first person to win the honor twice.
Petersen later moved to the University of Washington in 2013, where he quickly became the fastest active FBS coach to reach 100 wins, achieving the milestone in just 117 games. He led the Huskies to a Pac-12 championship and their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2016. Despite his massive contract extensions—including an $18 million deal in 2013—and his ability to dominate rivals like Washington State, Petersen announced his resignation in December 2019, leaving a legacy of tactical innovation and championship grit.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Chris Petersen
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