6 College Programs and NFL Teams Likely to Take a Chance on Bobby Petrino

Bobby Petrino appears untouchable at this point. Despite the scarlet letter that he now wears, there are at least six college and pro teams that would likely take a chance on the former Arkansas coach.

At the end of the day, winning ballgames is what matters most to these programs, especially at the NFL level. Image matters, but only enough to keep a coach in the fold if they win. Safe isn’t always better in sports; sometimes teams have to take a chance.

Petrino has a great record as a head coach—winning 41 games at Louisville and posting a 34-17 record at Arkansas. Petrino has the ability to raise up quarterbacks and build extremely potent offenses.

Looking at what the future may hold, here are six teams that would likely take a chance with Bobby Petrino.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Petrino got his start in the pros with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Petrino served under Tom Coughlin as offensive coordinator for three years. Petrino designed one of the most potent offensive attacks in the league during his time in Jacksonville.

So why would the Jaguars take a chance on Petrino and his apparent character flaws?

The Jaguars need to make a splash. Mike Mularkey was recently hired as the team's head coach, so the search is obviously not on currently. Considering the issues that the Jaguars have had filling the seats and winning ball games as of late, Petrino may be a guy to watch in the future.

He could return to a team that has seen his success, as well as bring press into a program that has been relatively forgotten on the major sport's stage. Petrino would be a good fit for this fallen franchise. 

Arkansas State Red Wolves

The first name that comes to mind with the firing of Bobby Petrino is Gus Malzahn. Not because Malzahn has built a winning reputation as a head coach, but because he is a grounded guy that would be a great fit for Arkansas looking to make a shift in perception.

Malzahn was hired as the head coach at Arkansas State earlier this year, but if Arkansas came calling, it would be difficult for Malzahn to turn down the opportunity.

If Malzahn were to depart for Arkansas, would the Red Wolves come calling on Petrino? Better yet, would Petrino answer the call and stay in the state of Arkansas in an attempt to continue his now questionable future in coaching?

Who knows those answers, but one thing is for sure, Arkansas State would love to have the level of proven leadership that Petrino would bring to the table. It may be one of the few jobs that would be open for him to return to college football.

Boston College Golden Eagles

According to coacheshotseat.com, Frank Spaziani is sitting on the hottest seat in college football. Spaziani was 4-8 last season and has been moderately successful for the Golden Eagles. Boston College has bigger aspirations, however.

Spaziani hasn’t been able to make those winning aspirations happen for Boston College, but Petrino likely could. Petrino was at the height of his career when his scandal dropped. He likely has a lot of good coaching left in the tank.

Petrino could go to Boston College and become a legend with 8-9 win seasons and a few conference titles. This would be a school that could likely woo the former Hogs head man.

Idaho Vandals

Outside of the fact that Idaho is consistently terrible, current head coach Robb Akey has simply not gotten it done for the Vandals. How does Idaho end up on this list?

Petrino started his career in Idaho under John L. Smith. Idaho has not been a national power, and they aren’t likely to become one anytime soon, but under the tutelage of Petrino, they could easily be competitive in the WAC.

Idaho would love to have Petrino return to the sideline I am sure, but would Petrino return to Idaho? If they are the only job that comes calling, he surely will. 

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have struggled mightily in franchise history to produce consistent winning football. The Browns hired Pat Shurmer as their head coach in 2011 after Shurmer had served two seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Despite his offensive acumen that led to the hiring, the Browns have struggled under his guidance, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Not only has the Browns offense struggled, but the quarterback play has been so bad that it isn’t even fun to watch for opposing teams fans. Something has to give soon for the Browns, and it may come in the form of Bobby Petrino.

I would expect one more season to be given to Shurmer, but if he fails to show progress on the field, Petrino may be the Browns' new man.

USF Bulls

The Bulls have only had two head coaches in their short time as a football program. They started with long time defensive guru Jim Leavitt leading the team. After the departure of Leavitt, a hot name in coaching took over the reins.

Skip Holtz has become one of the names that is swirling around the Arkansas coaching vacancy. If Holtz were to leave Tampa for Fayetteville, it seems logical for the Big East team to come calling on a winning coach that use to own the conference.

Petrino is not untouchable because of this scandal, but he will not likely find another high profile job soon. USF would be a great fit for him and the school if Holtz departs, giving the school a solid coach and giving Petrino a national stage without the pressure of the SEC.

Of all the teams that would land Petrino, USF is my pick as the most logical for all parties involved.

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