Story perspectives

North Carolina Taps Bobby Petrino as Offensive Coordinator

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina is set to hire Bobby Petrino as its new offensive coordinator under head coach Bill Belichick.
The Tar Heels finished 4-8 and ranked 119th in scoring and 129th in total offense.
Petrino, 64, has coaching experience at Arkansas, Louisville, and the Atlanta Falcons.
He recently served as Arkansas' interim head coach and finished with a 2-10 record.
The university has not yet officially announced the hire.

History

Historical Context

Bobby Petrino was dismissed as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks on April 10, 2012, following a motorcycle accident that revealed his extramarital affair with staffer Jessica Dorrell. Despite leading the team to an impressive 11-2 record in 2011, his actions prompted a significant scandal, reflecting a broader trend of universities hiring experienced coaches to revitalize struggling programs, as seen with North Carolina's recent decision to hire him.

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Story summary

North Carolina is set to hire Bobby Petrino as its new offensive coordinator under head coach Bill Belichick.
The Tar Heels finished 4-8 and ranked 119th in scoring and 129th in total offense.
Petrino, 64, has coaching experience at Arkansas, Louisville, and the Atlanta Falcons.
He recently served as Arkansas' interim head coach and finished with a 2-10 record.
The university has not yet officially announced the hire.

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