Controversial former head coach returns to the Razorbacks’ program
In a surprising turn of events, Bobby Petrino, the former head football coach of the University of Arkansas (UA), has been rehired as the football offensive coordinator. This decision comes eight years after Petrino was fired by the university for misconduct. The rehiring was made possible through an exception granted by UA System President Donald Bobbitt, who approved the request put forth by football coach Sam Pittman and athletics director Hunter Yurachek. The circumstances surrounding Petrino’s termination in 2012 were widely publicized, involving an extramarital affair and a motorcycle accident. However, Pittman and Yurachek conducted a thorough evaluation of Petrino’s character and employment since then, leading to the controversial decision to bring him back into the fold.
Exception Granted for Rehiring
UA Board Policy 405.6 strictly prohibits the rehiring of employees who have been terminated for cause. However, an exception can be made with the approval of the university president. In an email exchange between UA Chancellor Charles Robinson and President Bobbitt, it was revealed that the exception was granted. Robinson expressed his appreciation for Pittman and Yurachek’s diligence in the hiring process, and Bobbitt authorized the rehiring of Petrino under the outlined terms and contingencies.
Petrino’s Controversial Past
Petrino’s initial departure from the University of Arkansas in 2012 was marred by scandal. A motorcycle accident involving Petrino and a female employee of the football program, Jessica Dorrell, brought to light an extramarital relationship between the two. This revelation led to Petrino’s firing by then-athletics director Jeff Long. The incident tarnished Petrino’s reputation and raised questions about his integrity as a coach.
Due Diligence and Evaluation
In their request for the exception to rehire Petrino, Pittman and Yurachek emphasized that they had conducted a thorough due diligence inquiry into Petrino’s character and employment since his departure from Arkansas. They noted that Petrino had successfully held coaching positions at Western Kentucky, Louisville, Missouri State, and most recently, Texas A&M, without any reported misconduct or violations of NCAA rules. This evaluation process played a crucial role in the decision to bring Petrino back to the Razorbacks’ program.
Terms of Reemployment
Petrino’s reemployment at the University of Arkansas will commence on December 3, under a 27-month contract. He will receive a salary of $350,000 until February, after which it will increase to $1.5 million for the next 12 months. The contract also includes a further salary increase to $1.6 million, encompassing the 2025 season. Notably, there are no special provisions in Petrino’s contract related to his previous employment or the circumstances of his termination.
Reactions and Controversy
The decision to rehire Petrino has sparked mixed reactions among fans, alumni, and the general public. Some argue that his past actions should disqualify him from returning to the university, while others believe in giving him a second chance. The controversy surrounding Petrino’s return raises questions about forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of second chances in the world of sports.
Conclusion:
Bobby Petrino’s rehiring as the University of Arkansas football offensive coordinator has ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy. The exception granted by UA System President Donald Bobbitt, based on the thorough evaluation conducted by football coach Sam Pittman and athletics director Hunter Yurachek, has resulted in Petrino’s return to the Razorbacks’ program. The decision highlights the complexities of forgiveness and second chances in the realm of sports. Only time will tell how this controversial move will impact the university’s football program and its reputation moving forward.
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