Arkansas Football: Meet Paul Petrino, Offensive Coordinator of the Razorbacks

Every Monday, The SEC Blog will feature an assistant coach in the SEC. This week, we take a look at Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino.

Paul Petrino wasn't expecting to be the most notable Petrino on the Arkansas coaching staff when he returned to Fayetteville from Illinois following the 2011 season. But after head coach Bobby Petrino's unceremonious dismissal following his motorcycle accident, the younger brother in the family has found himself in its most prominent position.

If there's anyone up for the job, it's Paul Petrino.

Petrino has learned the ropes from older brother Bobby for the better part of a decade, working with him at stops in Louisville, the Atlanta Falcons and in 2008-09 at Arkansas. 

He struck out on his own in 2010 to break out of the shadow cast by his brother, taking the offensive coordinator position at Illinois for two years. In 2010, his Illini team broke school records for points in a season with 423.

Can he do it on his own?

It certainly appears that way.

Bottom line: Paul Petrino knows offense—and he's the biggest reason why Arkansas won't miss a beat without Bobby Petrino in 2012.

How does he plan to minimize the impact of his brother's absence? Simple, rely on his stars.

Chris Bahn of ArkansasSports360.com wrote last month that Paul Petrino and quarterback Tyler Wilson have developed a very close relationship, which was a big reason why Wilson was so successful this spring. The rising senior completed 111 of 145 passes for 1,593 yards, 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions in four scrimmages.

I know, I know, it's not difficult to look good against Arkansas' defense. But Wilson is a Heisman-caliber quarterback, and being on the same page with his offensive coordinator early is a big plus for the Razorbacks, especially considering that it was accomplished during a tumultuous time in Fayetteville.

One door closed and another door opened in the Petrino family in 2012.

If Paul Petrino can guide that Arkansas offense to a point where the Razorbacks are in legitimate national title contention in 2012, his name will be mentioned for numerous prominent job openings in 2013.

Perhaps even one in Fayetteville.

Follow @BarrettSallee