LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The collision course to a national championship for the University of Louisville just got a a lot smoother Monday.

U of L quaterback Brian Brohm announced his decision to return for his senior season at Louisville at a Monday morning press conference at the Howard Schnellenberger Football Complex.

"I have a good opportunity to enter the NFL draft and possibly get a good position in the draft," Brohm said. "I feel like there are some good things that we can do here at the University of Louisville. I am happy to announce I am returning for my senior season and try to take us to greater heights."

Monday was the deadline for the Louisville native and Trinity High School graduate to make a decision to enter the NFL Draft or return to Louisville for his senior campaign in 2007.

As a junior, Brohm completed 199-of-313 passes for 3,049 yards and 16 touchdowns despite missing two and half games with an injury to his throwing hand.

Brohm was later named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 FedEx Orange Bowl after helping the Cardinals to a 24-13 victory over Wake Forest on Jan. 2 in Miami.

New coach Steve Kragthorpe met with Brohm several times since accepting the job on Tuesday in an attempt to get Brohm to remain at the school he help put on the map.

Kragthorpe said he looked forward to spending a year coaching the prize quarterback.

"I think it makes a huge statement about his commitment, not only to this program but to the city of Louisville," he said. "(Brian) is going to lead this team to great things and great heights."

Fellow star Michael Bush had announced his intentions to enter the NFL draft on Jan. 8.

Bush missed most of the 2006 season with a broken leg suffered in the Cardinals opening game against Kentucky in September.

Brohm had addressed the crowd at a halftime ceremony honoring the Orange Bowl championship team at the U of L-Providence basketball game on Saturday, but didn’t give any indication as to his intentions.

Following that ceremony, new U of L football coach Steve Kragthorpe announced that both of Brohm’s older brothers were being retained on his new coaching staff.

Greg Brohm has served as director of operation for the Cardinals while Jeff Brohm was promoted from quarterbacks coach to assistant head coach and passing game coordinator after turning down an offer to become the offensive coordinator at Alabama.