Petersen stepping down, Jimmy Lake named Washington's new coach

The University of Washington shocked the college football world Monday with the announcement that head coach Chris Petersen will step down from his position following the team's bowl game.

"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 said in a press release.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will replace Petersen following bowl season.

Petersen has been at the Huskies' helm for six years. He posted a 54-26 record and led the team to Pac-12 titles in 2016 and 2018. He also led Washington to the College Football Playoff in 2016 and made three consecutive trips to a New Year's Six bowl game.

The Huskies went 7-5 this season, finishing with a victory over rival Washington State. Washington never lost an edition of the Apple Cup during Petersen's tenure.

"Chris has been transformational for not only our football program, but our entire athletic department," Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said.

The 55-year-old Petersen is perhaps best known for his eight-year run with Boise State, which began with a program-changing Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma.