Arkansas Football Names Bobby Petrino Interim Head Coach

Arkansas has appointed Bobby Petrino as its interim head coach following the dismissal of Sam Pittman. The announcement was made on Sunday, September 28, after a disappointing 56-13 loss to Notre Dame. Petrino, who previously led the Razorbacks from 2008 to 2011, steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the football program.

Hunter Yurachek, the athletics director at the University of Arkansas, confirmed that a national search for a permanent head coach will commence immediately. Petrino is expected to be considered for the full-time position. “We will begin a national search right away, and that process will include Coach Petrino, who has expressed his desire to be considered for the full-time job,” Yurachek stated.

Petrino’s History at Arkansas

This marks Petrino’s second tenure with the Razorbacks. He initially served as head coach from 2008 until 2011, achieving a record of 34 wins against 17 losses. During his first stint, Petrino led Arkansas to two bowl games—the 2011 Sugar Bowl and the 2012 Cotton Bowl—and the team reached as high as No. 3 in the national rankings. Notably, Petrino’s teams were renowned for their dynamic offense, helping quarterback Ryan Mallett set multiple school records for passing touchdowns.

Despite his success, Petrino’s initial tenure ended abruptly in 2012 after a motorcycle accident revealed an extramarital affair. He was subsequently fired for cause by then-athletics director Jeff Long, who cited a “pattern of misleading and manipulative behavior.” Even amidst the controversy, his reputation as an offensive strategist remained largely intact.

Recent Developments and Future Challenges

Petrino returned to Arkansas as the offensive coordinator in 2023, where he made an immediate impact. In the 2024 season, the Razorbacks’ offense accumulated a record-breaking 5,973 total yards, ranking fourth in school history. The team also achieved significant milestones with 34 rushing touchdowns and 3,571 passing yards.

Now, as he takes on the interim head coach role, Petrino faces the challenge of guiding the Razorbacks through the remainder of the 2025 season. His success in this position may determine whether he secures the full-time role. As of now, no other candidates have been publicly announced for the head coaching position.

Petrino’s extensive coaching history includes a successful run at Louisville from 2003 to 2006, where he compiled a record of 41 wins and 9 losses, including a standout season in 2005. His coaching career has also seen him at the helm of Western Kentucky, a second stint at Louisville, and Missouri State, where he served until 2022.

As Petrino embarks on this new chapter with the Razorbacks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges ahead and whether he can reclaim a permanent position within the program.