I think Houston Nutt is a pretty good coach, but I think his strong suit is/was motivating his players. I saw him coach in person in the late 90s in the only year he was at Boise State. But Ed Ogeron left him a pretty full cupboard at Ole Miss, especially Jevan Snead. I don't know what Petrino had to work with this year. I also don't know the details behind him leaving Atlanta, but from what I have read, if I were an Atlanta Falcon fan, I don't think I would ever want to see him back.
If I were a top college coach, I really don't think I would want to coach the pros. Look at all those who have tried unsuccessfully, like Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, and Lou Holtz. I don't blame them for wanting to move up, and the challenge, but I just don't think I would want to coach "real" professionals.
WW