Brian Brohm returns to Louisville football as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach

It seemed like a forgone conclusion when Jeff Brohm was named Louisville football's head coach in December. Now it's set in stone.

Brian Brohm, one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history, has returned to his alma mater to work on his older brother's staff, U of L announced Friday morning. Brohm will serve as the Cardinals' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after holding those positions for the past six seasons at Purdue.

"Brian is well-versed in the intricacies of our offensive system and has a great understanding of the style that we want to play," Jeff Brohm said in a statement from Louisville Athletics. "He played the quarterback position at the highest level, which has helped him develop outstanding quarterbacks who were also strong leaders. Brian does a great job teaching our players and has a track record of success at maximizing their potential."

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With quarterback Aidan O'Connell under center and Brohm directing the offense, Purdue ranked second in the Big Ten and 22nd nationally this past season with an average of 278.8 passing yards per game. In 2021, the unit set a school record in passing yards (4,620) and ranked fifth in the country with an average of 355.4 yards through the air per contest.

Brohm's homecoming was delayed when the Boilermakers named him their interim head coach for the Vrbo Citrus Bowl, which ended in a 63-7 loss to LSU.

After winning three Class 4A state championships — and appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated — at Trinity High School, Brohm arrived at U of L in 2004 under head coach Bobby Petrino and began his climb up the Cardinals' record book. His older brother served as his position coach through the 2006 season, after which Petrino promoted him to passing game coordinator.

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With Brohm and former Male High School star Michael Bush forming one of the most exciting backfield duos in the country, Louisville finished the 2006 season with a school-best 12-1 record. The Cardinals defeated Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl — Brohm was named the game's Most Valuable Player — and ended the historic campaign ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press' final poll.

Brohm's name still appears among Louisville's career leaders in passing attempts (second, 1,185), passing yards (second, 10,775), passing efficiency (second, 157.92), completions (third, 780), completion percentage (third, 65.8%), total offense (fourth, 10,819) and touchdown passes (fourth, 71). His 30 touchdown passes as a senior in 2007 are tied for second in school history with 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

After U of L went 6-6 and missed out on the postseason under first-year head coach Steve Kragthorpe in 2007, the Green Bay Packers selected Brohm in the second round (56th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. Brohm spent a year with the team before being signed off its practice squad by the Buffalo Bills. He made his first of two professional starts Dec. 27, 2009, and appeared in just three games for the team across two seasons.

When his playing career ended after stints in the United Football League and the Canadian Football League, Brohm began coaching on his older brother's staff at Western Kentucky.

Reach recruiting and trending sports reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Brian Brohm returns to Louisville football as offensive coordinator