Background
Petitbon, Richie was born on April 18, 1938 in New Orleans.
professional football team coach
Petitbon, Richie was born on April 18, 1938 in New Orleans.
Student, Tulane University.
After playing college football at Loyola of the South and Tulane, he played for the Chicago Bears from 1959 to 1968, the Los Angeles Rams in 1969 and 1970, and the Washington Redskins in 1971 and 1972. Petitbon recorded the second most interceptions in Bears history with 38 during his career, trailing Gary Fencik. Petitbon also holds the Bears record for the longest interception return, after scoring on a 101-yard return against the Rams in 1962.
He returned to the Redskins in 1978 as secondary coach under Jack Pardee.
From 1981 to 1992, he was the Redskins" defensive coordinator under head coach Joe Gibbs, either alone or sharing the job with Larry Peccatiello. During this time period, Petibone was considered one of the top coordinators in football.
When Gibbs initially retired in 1993, Petibone was named his successor. He did not find the same success as a head coach, lasting only one season.
Following his firing, Petibone never took another job in the NFL.
Both Petitbon brothers are members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Married Beverly Petitbon. Children: Hope, Ritchie, Vicki Leigh.