Arizona assistant football coach John Peterson resigned yesterday after just four months with the program to take a coaching job at Ohio State.

Peterson, 36, was hired in January to coach the Wildcat offensive line's centers and guards. He is a former OSU offensive lineman and a 1991 graduate of the university, and he served as a graduate assistant from 1992-1993.

"We thank (Peterson) for all the hard work he's put in," first-year head coach Mike Stoops said. "He's been a real asset to our staff and I hate to lose him, but it's a great opportunity for him to go back to his alma mater and coach football."

Peterson will coach tight ends and serve as recruiting coordinator under OSU head coach Jim Tressel, according to Ohio State spokesman Steve Snapp.

Prior to his brief stint at the UA, he coached at Miami of Ohio, Cincinnati and Akron.

Stoops said Peterson's absence shouldn't hinder the staff in completing the four remaining spring practices.

"(I will) take my time to fill the spot," Stoops said. "We plan to make no decision until after spring ball. We want to hire the best possible coach to do the things we want to do with our offense this year."

Spring football ends Saturday with the Spring Game.