Bobby Petrino – Football Coach Biography

Bobby Petrino (born March 10, 1961) is a well-known American football coach with a career that spans college and the NFL. Though he never played in the NFL, Petrino has built a reputation as an offensive mastermind and has led several prominent college football programs.

Playing Career

• Petrino played quarterback at Carroll College (Montana), where he graduated in 1983.

Coaching Career Highlights

• Early Career: Petrino began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Carroll College, then held offensive assistant roles at Weber State, Idaho, and Arizona State.
• Louisville (Offensive Coordinator & Head Coach): Petrino made his mark as offensive coordinator before being named head coach in
  2003. He led Louisville to a school-best 12–1 record and an Orange Bowl victory in 2006.
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL Head Coach): In 2007, Petrino was hired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His tenure was short-lived, resigning after 13 games to return to college football.
• Arkansas Razorbacks (Head Coach): Petrino coached Arkansas from 2008–2011, leading the team to a Sugar Bowl appearance and a top-five national ranking in 2011.
• Western Kentucky (Head Coach): Petrino spent one season (2013) at WKU, leading them to an 8–4 record.
• Return to Louisville: He returned as Louisville’s head coach (2014–2018), guiding the Cardinals to multiple bowl appearances and coaching Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.
• Missouri State (Head Coach): In 2020, Petrino became the head coach at Missouri State, earning an FCS playoff berth in his first season.
• Texas A&M & UNLV (Coordinator Roles): Most recently, Petrino served as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M (2023) and UNLV (2024).

Notable Achievements

• Guided multiple programs to double-digit win seasons and major bowl games
• Coached 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson at Louisville
• Known for high-powered, innovative offensive schemes

Personal and Legacy

• Petrino is known both for his football acumen and for controversies, including his abrupt Atlanta Falcons departure and a well-publicized scandal at Arkansas in 2012, which led to his dismissal.
• Despite ups and downs, Petrino remains a prominent figure in college football, respected for his offensive mind and ability to rebuild programs.

Legacy & Career Overview

Bobby Petrino: NFL Head Coach - Long Biography

Bobby Petrino is a notable figure in American football coaching, known for his offensive acumen, innovative schemes, and a career marked by both significant achievements and controversial moments. While best recognized for his work at the collegiate level, Petrino's tenure as an NFL head coach was brief but memorable, and his overall football journey is rich and complex.

Early Life and Playing Career

Robert Patrick Petrino was born on March 10, 1961, in Lewistown, Montana. Raised in a football family—his father, Bob Petrino Sr., was a long-time coach—Bobby developed a passion for the game early. He attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where he played quarterback from 1980 to
1982. Petrino led the Fighting Saints to success in the Frontier Conference, excelling as a smart, accurate passer with strong leadership skills.

Early Coaching Career

After graduating from Carroll College in 1983, Petrino began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. He quickly moved up the ranks, displaying a keen offensive mind and a knack for quarterback development. His early stops included:

• Carroll College (QB Coach, 1983–1984)
• Weber State (Graduate Assistant, 1984–1985)
• Idaho (Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach, 1989–1991)

From there, Petrino worked at several programs—including Arizona State and Nevada—before making his mark in the upper echelons of college football as an offensive coordinator at Louisville and Auburn.

Rise to Prominence: Louisville and Auburn

Petrino's reputation grew when he served as the offensive coordinator at Louisville (1998) and Auburn (2002). At Auburn, his offense was among the best in the SEC, and he became known for his complex passing attacks and ability to maximize quarterback production. His success led to the head coaching job at the University of Louisville in
2003.

Head Coaching Success at Louisville

Petrino quickly transformed Louisville into a national power. In four seasons (2003–2006), he compiled a remarkable 41–9 record. His highlights at Louisville include:

• 2004: 11–1 record, Conference USA Championship
• 2006: 12–1 record, Big East Championship, Orange Bowl victory over Wake Forest
• Developed star quarterbacks such as Stefan LeFors and Brian Brohm

His teams were consistently among the nation's best in total offense, earning him a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football.

NFL Head Coaching Stint: Atlanta Falcons

In January 2007, Petrino made the jump to the NFL, accepting the head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons. The move was highly anticipated, as many believed his offensive genius could translate to the professional level. However, his NFL tenure was tumultuous and short-lived:

• Record: 3–10 in 13 games (2007 season)
• Key challenge: The unexpected suspension of star quarterback Michael Vick before the season, which left the offense in disarray
• Controversy: Petrino resigned after just 13 games to accept the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas, leaving the team before the end of the season—a move that drew sharp criticism from players and the media

Despite high hopes, Petrino's time with the Falcons is often remembered as one of the shortest and most controversial head coaching stints in recent NFL history.

Return to College Football

After leaving the NFL, Petrino became head coach at Arkansas (2008–2011), where he rebuilt the program and led the Razorbacks to a Sugar Bowl appearance in
2010. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2012 after an off-field scandal. He later coached at Western Kentucky (2013) and returned to Louisville (2014–2018), where he mentored Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

Coaching Style and Legacy

Bobby Petrino is widely regarded for his offensive creativity, particularly in the passing game. His teams consistently rank high in offensive statistics, and he has a track record of developing elite quarterbacks. However, his career has been overshadowed at times by abrupt departures and off-field controversies.

Key Stats and Accomplishments

• Overall College Head Coaching Record: 119–56 (as of 2018)
• Conference Titles: 2 (Conference USA, Big East)
• Bowl Record: 5–6
• NFL Record: 3–10 (Atlanta Falcons, 2007)
• Major Awards: 2006 Big East Coach of the Year
• Key Players Developed: Brian Brohm, Ryan Mallett, Lamar Jackson

Relevant Facts and Legacy

• Petrino’s offensive systems have influenced both college and NFL playbooks.
• His brief NFL tenure is often cited as a cautionary tale about the challenges of making the leap from college to pro football.
• Despite controversies, he is considered one of the top offensive minds of his generation.
• He is known for his meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and ability to quickly turn around struggling programs.

While Bobby Petrino's time as an NFL head coach was short, his overall impact on the game of football is undeniable. He remains a polarizing but influential figure in the sport’s coaching ranks.