When North Carolina hired Bobby Petrino as its new offensive coordinator, the move instantly grabbed attention across the college football landscape. Petrino’s résumé, personality, and history make him one of the more intriguing coordinator hires in recent memory for UNC football, especially paired with second-year college head coach in Bill Belichick. But as compelling as the pairing is, it also opens the door to a familiar and potentially complicated scenario for Petrino, one that mirrors how his most recent stop at Arkansas unfolded.
Just one season ago, Petrino found himself in a similar position with the Razorbacks. After returning to Arkansas as offensive coordinator, he was eventually thrust into the role of interim head coach during the 2025 season after the firing of Sam Pittman.