In a surprising move, Bobby Petrino has rejoined the Arkansas Razorbacks as the new offensive coordinator.
The 62-year-old Petrino, who previously served as Razorbacks head coach from 2008 to 2011 before his fall from grace, returns to the program after all these years.
Bobby Petrino was asked about receiving a second chance at Arkansas. Here was his answer: pic.twitter.com/HmvvEZlBUQ
— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) November 30, 2023
During his introductory press conference, Petrino addressed a hot-button issue in college football – sign-stealing.
When asked about his stance on the matter, he proposed the use of in-helmet devices to prevent the unethical practice.
Most interestingly, he pivoted the conversation to the Clemson Tigers as he recalled his experiences coaching against them … He seemed to think that they were also stealing signs.
“I knew when you went to go play Clemson they were going to have your signals,” Petrino said.
New Arkansas OC Bobby Petrino says Clemson used to steal signals all the time on the sideline … pic.twitter.com/J1BWd1jfT5
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) November 30, 2023
With the ongoing controversy surrounding sign-stealing in college football, Petrino commented on the recent accusations against the Michigan Wolverines, a program that has dominated the football landscape this season.
“I don’t know anything about Michigan and what they did or anything about that … I honestly didn’t pay any attention to it, but I do know when you went and played Clemson that they were going to have your signals. Guys on the sideline standing there with a sheet of paper with your signals on it. And that was tough.”
Ouch.
As far as his return to Arkansas, most fans have welcomed him back with open arms. Petrino admitted that he never stopped rooting for the Razorbacks.
Bobby Petrino getting emotional talking about still cheering for the Hogs while at other schools almost made me shed a tear. pic.twitter.com/T1smqKsIkx
— Will Whitson (@will_whitson2) November 30, 2023
What are your thoughts on the Petrino hire?
Do you think it’s only a matter of time before he takes over for Sam Pittman as head coach?
How rampant do you think sign-stealing is in college football???