(Paul) Petrino to Illinois

by John Expat on Dec 14, 2009 9:44 AM CST in Arkansas Razorback Football

In the most significant moment of Razorback-related brotherly drama since Casey and Nathan Dick were battling it out for the starting QB position, Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino has apparently taken the same job at Illinois.

Setting aside the scenic wonder that is Champaign, IL, this would seem like a lateral move at best (and that's being a little charitable to the Fighting Illini). So, our take on it is that it's about 1) money and 2), probably even more importantly, a desire to get out from big brother's shadow. Paul has made it clear that his goal is to get a head coaching job someday, and since Bobby calling the plays at Arkansas surely holds that back a little bit, it's hard to blame the guy.

For Hog fans, of course the real question is how much will this affect recruiting and the on-field action? I can't speak for the former, but as for the latter, my immediate reaction of "it's not that bad...Bobby calls the plays, anyway" probably proves the above point about Paul needing to go out on his own.

Whatever happens, thanks to Paul Petrino for two good years with the Hogs and best of luck at Illinois.

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Some questions to think about

Why do you go to a program where the head coach is on the hotseat like Ron Zook is? And what is Ron Zook doing hiring someone who has never been an outright coordinator when he has so much at stake himself? I can understand wanting to get out from under Bobby’s shadow, but wouldn’t he, Paul, be more attractive after what we all expect to be an even better year next year? Or has Paul heard from Ryan that he is leaving for the NFL after the Liberty Bowl? Does he see his stock at its highest point right now?

by KevinHog on Dec 14, 2009 12:26 PM CST reply actions

As an Illinois student...

I’ve seen how bad the Illini are first-hand. I’m afraid PP will be job hunting next season, through (almost) no fault of his own. I just hope this doesn’t turn into a revolving door where PP shows up every time he loses a job, so that he’ll have “busy work” while he looks for another. The problem is Zook, not the assistants; he needs to go. Incidentally, the Hogs could use a big time recruiter, and thought I try to not speak ill of Willie Robinson, it wouldn’t upset me terribly if he were replaced. But that’s just a pipe dream.
KevinHog poses an interesting question: Does PP leaving coincide with Mallett leaving? For a QB who’s never won an SEC road game, you’d think that Mallett would know that there’s still room for improvement.

by dxf04 on Dec 14, 2009 12:50 PM CST reply actions