Updates on Bobby Petrino, Bill Belichick's UNC Reportedly Discussing OC Contract

North Carolina is in talks to hire Bobby Petrino as its offensive coordinator for Bill Belichick's staff, according to On3's Chris Low, Pete Nakos and Inside Carolina.

While ESPN's Pete Thamel also confirmed that the two sides were discussing a deal, he later added that there are still "multiple steps" that need to happen before a deal could potentially be completed:

Petrino has been a head coach at Louisville, Western Kentucky, Missouri State and Arkansas, compiling a 119-63 career record at the FBS level. He returned to the Razorbacks as their offensive coordinator in 2024 and filled in as the interim coach this year following the firing of Sam Pittman.

Petrino's first tenure in Fayetteville ended in 2012. Arkansas' decision to hire him back symbolized how he successfully resurrected his career.

The 64-year-old has the distinction of coaching Lamar Jackson when the former Louisville star won the 2016 Heisman Trophy.

Bringing Petrino aboard would help to address one of UNC's bigger problems in Bill Belichick's first year at the helm.

Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi sold a vision of turning the Tar Heels into the NFL's "33rd team." As part of that plan, they targeted a lot of assistants with pro experience but limited track records in college.

Belichick inherited Freddie Kitchens but chose to promote him to offensive coordinator. The results speak for themselves. The Tar Heels ranked 129th in total offense (288.8 yards per game) and 119th in points (19.2 per game).

Petrino was 2-8 in his final year at Louisville before getting the boot, while Arkansas was 0-7 with him briefly in charge. He can nonetheless still draw up a dynamic offensive game plan.

The Razorbacks averaged 454.8 yards per game, good for fourth in the SEC. They were second in the conference (459.2 yards) in 2024 as well.

Should Belichick hire Petrino to fill the OC vacancy, the focus will shift to how he and Lombardi will make the necessary upgrades to the roster through the transfer portal.