Bobby Petrino Reportedly Rejects Mammoth Texas Offer, Stays with Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR – July 1, 2025 – In a development that has sent tremors through the Southeastern Conference and beyond, Arkansas Razorbacks’ Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino has reportedly turned down a jaw-dropping offer, rumored to be in the vicinity of $4 million, from the Texas Longhorns. While official confirmations remain elusive, sources close to the situation suggest Petrino has opted to remain in Fayetteville, reaffirming his commitment to Head Coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks’ program.

The alleged offer from the Texas Longhorns, set to join the SEC in 2024, underscores the escalating arms race for top coaching talent in college football, particularly for offensive minds. A $4 million annual salary would place Petrino among the elite offensive coordinators in the nation, a testament to his long-standing reputation for developing potent, high-scoring offenses. Texas, under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, already boasts a formidable coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Kyle Flood and Co-Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach AJ Milwee, making any pursuit of Petrino a significant statement of intent to further bolster their offensive prowess as they navigate the challenging SEC landscape.

Bobby Petrino’s return to Arkansas in November 2023, after an 11-year absence, was a move that captivated the college football world. His previous stint as the Razorbacks’ head coach from 2008-2011 saw the program reach unprecedented heights, including back-to-back 10-win seasons and appearances in major bowl games. His offensive schemes were known for their creativity and effectiveness, consistently putting up impressive numbers.

Currently, Petrino is operating on a contract with Arkansas that pays him $1.5 million for the 2024 season and is set to increase to $1.6 million for the 2025 season. This substantial compensation reflects his value to the Razorbacks, but the rumored $4 million from Texas would represent a monumental leap, potentially making him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the sport. His decision to reportedly decline such a lucrative package speaks volumes about his comfort level in Fayetteville, his relationship with Coach Pittman, and his belief in the direction of the Arkansas program.

Petrino’s career has been a rollercoaster of success and controversy, but his offensive genius has rarely been questioned. He has served as an offensive coordinator for numerous collegiate programs, including Idaho, Arizona State, Nevada, Utah State, Louisville, and Auburn, before taking on head coaching roles at Louisville (twice), the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Arkansas (first stint), Western Kentucky, and Missouri State. His resume includes coaching a Heisman Trophy winner in Lamar Jackson at Louisville and developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks like Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson during his initial tenure at Arkansas.

The allure of Texas, with its vast resources, passionate fan base, and impending entry into the SEC, is undeniable. For a coach of Petrino’s stature, the opportunity to shape an offense at a program with national championship aspirations would be enticing. However, his reported decision to stay suggests a deeper connection to Arkansas and a desire to finish what he’s started in his second act with the Razorbacks. The continuity he provides to the offensive scheme and the development of the quarterbacks is crucial for Arkansas as they navigate a challenging SEC schedule.

The news, if confirmed, will undoubtedly be a massive win for Arkansas, demonstrating the program’s ability to retain top-tier coaching talent against aggressive overtures from rival SEC programs. It also highlights the unique appeal of a “homecoming” for a coach like Petrino, who has a deep history and connection with the Razorback faithful.

As the college football offseason continues, the ripple effects of such high-stakes coaching decisions will be closely watched. While the specifics of the Texas offer remain speculative, the reported rejection by Bobby Petrino reinforces his commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks and underscores the intensely competitive nature of securing and retaining elite coaching talent in today’s college football landscape. This move could be a pivotal moment for both programs as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming seasons within the revamped SEC.