Overview
- On3 first reported an agreement and ESPN says UNC is working toward the hire with multiple steps remaining and no school announcement posted.
- Petrino, 64, ran Arkansas’ offense the past two seasons, with the Razorbacks ranking top-25 in scoring and top-20 in total offense in 2025 despite a 0-7 interim head-coach stint.
- Belichick’s Tar Heels went 4-8 in 2025 and ranked near the bottom nationally in scoring and total offense, prompting Kitchens’ dismissal earlier this month.
- Arkansas owes Petrino roughly $1.87 million through February 2027 under his contract, an amount that would be reduced by any salary he earns at UNC.
- Roster ripple effects surfaced as On3 reported true freshman QB Bryce Baker plans to enter the transfer portal, while insiders expect starter Gio Lopez to remain with the program.