Bill Belichick appears ready to make a major change on the offensive side at North Carolina.
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The Tar Heels are expected to hire Bobby Petrino as their next offensive coordinator, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz. Petrino spent the past two seasons at Arkansas, calling plays under Sam Pittman and later stepping in as interim head coach following Pittman's dismissal.
Petrino and Chip Kelly were both considered finalists for the role, but Belichick ultimately opted for the candidate with more recent success at the college level as he heads into his second season leading the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Belichick moved on from offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens earlier this month as part of a broader overhaul after a disappointing 4-8 campaign. Kitchens was one of the few on-field assistants retained when Belichick arrived in Chapel Hill, but the offense struggled throughout the season and finished near the bottom of the ACC in multiple statistical categories.
Petrino, 64, is known for his up-tempo spread system and emphasis on explosive plays, particularly in the passing game. He returned to Arkansas ahead of the 2024 season after a year at Texas A&M and was tasked with reshaping the Razorbacks' offense. While Arkansas went 0-7 under Petrino as interim head coach this season, his role in Chapel Hill would be limited strictly to offense.
Belichick, 73, is in the second year of a five-year, $50 million deal with North Carolina that includes a $1 million NFL buyout clause. His first season fell short of expectations as several transfer portal additions failed to produce, including quarterback Gio Lopez, who threw for 1,747 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions over 12 starts.
North Carolina entered November with a path to bowl eligibility at 4-5 but closed the season with losses to Wake Forest, Duke and NC State, prompting the latest round of changes to Belichick's staff.
