[Farm93]

Be careful what you wish for; you never know what you are going to get in terms of head coaches.  You'd hate the guy coming after Petersen to be a Gilbertson (1-10 in 2004), Willingham (0-11 in 2008), or even a Sarkisian (Mr. 7-6).

BC

Walsh II came in and everyone thought multipe winning seasons were inevitable.   In year #1 he took Denny's players to fantastic heights.   In year #2 he had his freshman start over others, make massive mistakes in almost every game, and it all fell apart.   Then it became clear Walsh II was not willing or able to still do all the things a coach must do at Stanford to be successful.

Based on the reports Peterson seems like a coach that really wants a year or more away from the game.   That one year will likely make him a top choice when top programs (Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, etc.) start trying to assess their alternatives. 

His other path is to opt for something a bit smaller in the Group of 5, where people are thrilled to get a 7-5 type season and aren't immediately seeking a new coach after a single sub-par season.

Time will reveal his path but either he will get positions way above Stanford's level (fan base, media attention, etc.) or he will settle into a position without unrealistic expectations.   Either way, IHMO he will not return to programs at Stanford's general level.   

FWIW - I doubt Peterson was forced out because if he was forced out his DC would not immediately get elevated into the Head Coach job.

[Farm93]

Be careful what you wish for; you never know what you are going to get in terms of head coaches.  You'd hate the guy coming after Petersen to be a Gilbertson (1-10 in 2004), Willingham (0-11 in 2008), or even a Sarkisian (Mr. 7-6).

BC

Walsh II came in and everyone thought multipe winning seasons were inevitable.   In year #1 he took Denny's players to fantastic heights.   In year #2 he had his freshman start over others, make massive mistakes in almost every game, and it all fell apart.   Then it became clear Walsh II was not willing or able to still do all the things a coach must do at Stanford to be successful.

Based on the reports Peterson seems like a coach that really wants a year or more away from the game.   That one year will likely make him a top choice when top programs (Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, etc.) start trying to assess their alternatives. 

His other path is to opt for something a bit smaller in the Group of 5, where people are thrilled to get a 7-5 type season and aren't immediately seeking a new coach after a single sub-par season.

Time will reveal his path but either he will get positions way above Stanford's level (fan base, media attention, etc.) or he will settle into a position without unrealistic expectations.   Either way, IHMO he will not return to programs at Stanford's general level.   

FWIW - I doubt Peterson was forced out because if he was forced out his DC would not immediately get elevated into the Head Coach job.