The North Carolina Tar Heels are on the cusp of a major overhaul of their offense, with sources confirming that the program is working towards hiring veteran coach Bobby Petrino as their new offensive coordinator. This development comes on the heels of the team's disappointing 4-8 season in 2025, which saw them rank near the bottom of the national rankings in total offense, scoring offense, and rushing.
According to insiders, the Tar Heels' head coach, Bill Belichick, is keen on bringing Petrino on board to revamp the team's offense, which has been struggling to find its footing. The team's previous offensive coordinator, Freddie Kitchens, was let go earlier this month after a lackluster season that saw the Tar Heels rank 131st nationally in total offense, with a meager 288.8 yards per game. Petrino's hiring would mark a significant shift in the team's offensive strategy, as he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of turning around struggling offenses.
Petrino's coaching career has been marked by both success and controversy. He has previously served as the head coach at Arkansas, Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Missouri State, as well as a stint as the head coach of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator at Arkansas, where he played a key role in improving the team's offense from 107th to 10th nationally in yards per game. Despite the team's overall struggles, Petrino's offense showed flashes of brilliance, ranking inside the top 25 nationally in scoring, total offense, and rushing.
The hiring of Petrino would be a bold move by the Tar Heels, but one that could potentially pay off in the long run. With his experience and expertise, he could be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround in the team's offense.
One of the key factors that makes Petrino an attractive candidate is his ability to adapt and evolve as a coach. He has a reputation for being able to adjust his offense to suit the strengths and weaknesses of his players, which could be a major asset for the Tar Heels. His experience in the SEC and his familiarity with the conference's defenses could also prove invaluable as the team looks to improve its performance in ACC play.
Here are some key highlights from Petrino's coaching career:
The Tar Heels' decision to hire Petrino would also be a significant vote of confidence in Belichick, who is entering his second season as head coach. Belichick's debut season was marked by growing pains, but the team is hopeful that with Petrino on board, they can turn things around and become a competitive force in the ACC. If a deal is finalized, Petrino would arrive at North Carolina ahead of a pivotal season, with the team looking to improve on their 2-6 record in ACC play from 2025.
As the Tar Heels look to the future, they will be hoping that Petrino can bring his signature magic to the offense and help the team return to prominence. With his experience, expertise, and proven track record, he could be the perfect man for the job. The hiring of Petrino would be a major coup for the Tar Heels, and one that could have a significant impact on the team's fortunes in the years to come.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
