WKU athletic director Todd Stewart released a statement Thursday morning regarding the hiring of former Hilltopper football coach Bobby Petrino at the University of Louisville. 

“President Ramsey, Tom Jurich and the University of Louisville have made a tremendous hire, and I wish Bobby, Becky and the Petrino family much success and happiness in Louisville. Coach Petrino displayed a tireless work ethic throughout his 13 months as our head coach and was completely devoted to WKU football from the day he was hired.

“Our program benefited greatly from his presence, knowledge and leadership. He will do a terrific job leading the Louisville football program as they move into the Atlantic Coast Conference, and I am also confident he will take an already outstanding program to even loftier heights.”

Stewart will address the future of WKU football to the media at 3:00 p.m. (CT) Thursday afternoon via teleconference.