With North Carolina officially moving on from Freddie Kitchens, a new offensive coordinator search is underway in Chapel Hill and one familiar name to Razorback fans is beginning to gain traction.
According to On3’s Inside Carolina, former Arkansas head coach and Razorback legend Bobby Petrino has emerged as a legitimate candidate for the UNC offensive coordinator position. The Tar Heels are expected to narrow their search soon, and Petrino is firmly on the early hot board. For Arkansas fans, the interest comes as no surprise.
Petrino’s 2025 Arkansas Offense Told a Different Story
While the Razorbacks finished just 2–10 during the 2025 season, the struggles were far from offensive in nature. In fact, Petrino’s unit quietly put together one of the more efficient and explosive offenses in the country despite the record.
Arkansas averaged 32.9 points per game and 454.8 yards per game over the final seven games, showing steady growth as the season progressed. According to PFSN’s offensive impact grading scale, the Razorbacks ranked:
- 26th in points per drive (2.85)
- 32nd nationally in passing yards per game (262.9)
- 26th in rushing yards per game (191.9)
- 7th nationally in red zone touchdown percentage (75%)
That balance was the hallmark of Petrino’s offense, equally dangerous through the air and on the ground, while consistently finishing drives with touchdowns instead of settling for field goals or turnovers.
Experience and Fit Make Petrino a Logical Target for UNC Football
Experience is another major factor working in Petrino’s favor. Few offensive minds in football can match his résumé, which includes SEC head coaching success, NFL experience, and a long track record of quarterback development.
For a UNC program with young quarterbacks and an offense that sputtered throughout the 2025 season, Petrino’s presence could be exactly what’s needed. The Tar Heels’ offense was underwhelming all year, and a change seemed inevitable once the season concluded.
If Bill Belichick is playing a major role in shaping the hire, Petrino fits the mold. Rather than rolling the dice on a first-time play caller, Petrino represents a proven, battle-tested option, the type of experienced hire Belichick has historically preferred.
Why Razorback Fans Should Root for Petrino’s Next Chapter
From an Arkansas perspective, the win-loss column doesn’t tell the full story of Petrino’s 2025 stint as the interim head coach after Sam Pittman's firing in Fayetteville. The offense wasn’t the problem, it was often the lone bright spot on the team.
Petrino restored explosiveness, efficiency, and red-zone dominance, laying a foundation that Razorback fans could clearly see developing. His system proved it could produce points, yards, and balance at a high level.
If this move comes to fruition, Razorback fans should be rooting for Petrino. A fresh opportunity in Chapel Hill could benefit all parties involved, and the pairing of Petrino’s offensive acumen with Belichick’s football philosophy has the potential to be a good match for a North Carolina team looking for a completely different 2026 season after expectations from this season fell flat on it's face.
For an Arkansas legend who still knows how to score points, this could be the next chapter that reminds the college football world just how dangerous a Bobby Petrino offense can be.