Bobby Petrino, UNC Agree to OC Contract as Bill Belichick Hypes 'Elite Coaching Talent'

Bill Belichick is bringing in Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator ahead of his second season as UNC's head coach.

Belichick announced Petrino's hiring on Friday, about one month after UNC said former OC Freddie Kitchens would not be returning for 2026.

"We are fortunate to add an elite coaching talent in Bobby to our staff," Belichick said in a statement. "He brings an extensive background and a proven record of success on offense at every level of football."

On3's Chris Low and Pete Nakos reported on Dec. 22 that UNC was finalizing a deal to bring in Petrino as their next offensive coordinator.

Petrino, who has served as an offensive coordinator and head coach at both the NFL and college levels, most recently served as interim head coach at Arkansas.

The Razorbacks finished the season 0-7 under Petrino before hiring former Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield in November.

Petrino's notable head coaching stops include two stints with Louisville, a 3-10 run with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 and four years with Arkansas between 2008 and 2011. He returned to the Razorbacks as offensive coordinator last season.

Despite the team's 2-10 record in 2025, Arkansas season ranked 15th with 454.8 yards per game and 23rd with 32.9 points per game.

Those could be appealing stats for the Tar Heels, who finished Belichick's first season as one of the least effective offenses in college football.

The program ranked 120th in the nation with 19.3 points per game and 131st with 288.8 yards of total offense per game in their first season under Belichick.

Belichick will be under pressure to turn things around during his second run in Chapel Hill after marking a 4-8 overall record and 2-6 ACC mark in 2025.

He will hope moving on from Kitchens, as well as former special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, and bringing in Petrino could help the Tar Heels turn things around in 2026.

Petrino's offensive staff will be tasked with helping UNC find its next quarterback following the departure of Gio Lopez for Wake Forest. The Tar Heels added a potential starter earlier this week with a commitment from Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr.