Western Kentucky has announced that it has hired Bobby Petrino as be the Hilltoppers' next football coach.

WKU athletic director said in a release that Petrino will be introduced at a Monday afternoon news conference.

The 51-year-old Petrino replaces Willie Taggart, who left WKU Saturday to become South Florida's coach. Petrino had a 34-17 record at Arkansas.

He was fired by Arkansas in April for a ``pattern of misleading'' behavior following a motorcycle accident. Petrino had an affair with former Razorback football staffer Jessica Dorrell, who he had given $20,000 in gifts. Petrino said initially he was the only person on the motorcycle but later admitted to Dorrell's presence.