Peter Sirmon steps down as Louisville defensive coordinator

Peter Sirmon’s first season at Louisville will also be his last. The much-maligned U of L defensive coordinator announced Friday that he was stepping down from his position, effective immediately.

“I would like to thank Peter Sirmon for all his work this season at the University of Louisville,” head coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “I wish him and his family all the best.”

In Sirmon’s first year on the job, Louisville finished 62nd in the country in total defense, allowing 388.1 yards per game. The Cardinals were 70th in the country in scoring defense, allowing 27.4 ppg.

Sirmon came to Louisville after one season as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State. His lone season with the Bulldogs was not overly successful either. Mississippi State ranked 110th in the country in total defense, and surrendered the most yards and second-most points of any team in the SEC.

It’s hard to see this move not being made without Louisville already having someone lined up to take Sirmon’s place. Here’s hoping it’s a quality someone.