FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Emmitt Thomas, who has been an Atlanta Falcons assistant coach since 2002, will serve as interim head coach for the final three games of the regular season, The Associated Press learned Wednesday.

Thomas, 64, has no previous experience as a head coach but has 28 years in coaching.

A person familiar with the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity because an official announcement would be made later Wednesday, said Thomas will move up from his position as defensive backs coach.

Thomas will serve out the season following the sudden resignation of Bobby Petrino on Tuesday to become head coach at Arkansas.

The Falcons have scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. to address the situation. Team owner Arthur Blank and general manager Rich McKay are expected to speak at the news conference.

Thomas will direct the team’s practice Wednesday afternoon. It was not known if all other assistants under Petrino, including his brother, wide receivers coach Paul Petrino, would remain for the final three games.

Emmitt Thomas went into coaching in 1979 as defensive coordinator at Central Missouri State. He has coached for six NFL teams and served as defensive coordinator for Philadelphia, Green Bay and Minnesota.