UCLA Is Targeting Boise State's Chris Petersen For New Coach, According To A Report

With 13 college football programs looking for a new coach, it was only a matter of time before Boise State's Chris Petersen's name would be floated for one of these jobs. There are quite a few BCS coaching gigs out there, and the school to be interested is the UCLA Bruins. The L.A. Times is reporting that Athletic Director Dan Guerrero is making Petersen his first target to replace the fired Rick Neuheisel. UCLA is reportedly going to make an offer of over $3 million per year to Petersen, committing $2 million for an assistance coaching staff and upgrading the football facilities.

Petersen has been very loyal to Boise State as he came up the ranks under Dan Hawkins and currently makes $1.5 million per year and receives an annual bonus of $100,000 per year through 2019. Also, last year Petersen turned down the Stanford Cardinal gig and they were offering $3 million per year.

If Petersen were to ever leave Boise State this could be the year that he does, because he is losing seven offensive starters which include quarterback Kellen Moore, running back Doug Martin, wide receiver Tyler Shoemaker and three offensive lineman. As for defense they will be replacing all 11 starters, so 2012 will be a rebuilding year for sure.  However, even when Boise State was replacing key player they bounced back with conference titles when they were in the WAC. So, this could be the year that Petersen could bolt with 2012 not looking to be a great year by Boise State's standards.

Other coaching jobs that could come after Petersen would be Arizona State or Washington State. Expect these rumors about Petersen to X College to last for a while.