Jessica Dorrell
University of Arkansas officials today announced that Jessica Dorrell resigned late Tuesday afternoon from her position as the football program’s student-athlete development coordinator, effective immediately.
Athletics director Jeff Long said both he and Dorrell agreed her resignation was in the best interest of both parties.
“While Ms. Dorrell had a legitimate right to apply for and accept a position within the football program, the circumstances surrounding the former coach’s decision to hire her compromised her ability to be effective in such a position,” he said. “She and I believe she should have the opportunity to move on.”
Dorrell had been on paid leave from the UA pending an internal investigation into her relationship with former head football coach Bobby Petrino, and the circumstances surrounding her recent hiring to the position.
Their relationship became public knowledge after their April 1 motorcycle accident.
As part of her resignation, Dorrell agreed she would not attempt to sell or profit from her affiliation with Razorback Athletics. The university will pay her approximately $14,000 as part of a settlement and resolution of all matters between the parties.
UA officials said there are no immediate plans to re-open or advertise the job opportunity, and that duties associated with the position will be assigned to other staff members for now.
