Bobby Petrino’s UNC football contract is now public. Here are the details, terms
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Petrino signed a two-year, $2.35M UNC deal running through Jan. 5, 2028.
- Pays $1M in 2026 and $1.35M in 2027–28, matching Kitchens’ total.
- Bonuses: $167,000 (2026) and $225,000 (2027) for ACC title or CFP berths.
Bobby Petrino’s contract as UNC’s offensive coordinator has been made public, outlining a two-year deal worth $2.35 million, according to documents released by the university.
Petrino signed the agreement on Feb. 16, and it runs through Jan. 5, 2028. He will earn $1 million in 2026 and $1.35 million in 2027-28, matching the total value of former offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens’ deal.
The 65-year-old arrived in Chapel Hill with a long track record as one of college football’s most prolific offensive coaches. Most recently, he served as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, where his 2024 unit produced one of the program’s best offensive seasons per several statistical categories, including total offense, passing yards and rushing touchdowns. His offenses at Arkansas and Texas A&M have averaged more than 30 points per game over the past three seasons.
The Tar Heels’ offense struggled mightily in 2025, averaging just 19.3 points per game (ranking 119th nationally in scoring), and 288.8 yards per game (ranking 129th in total offense).
Under the terms of the contract, Petrino is eligible for postseason bonuses. If North Carolina reaches the ACC Championship Game or College Football Playoff, he would receive $167,000 in 2026 and $225,000 in 2027. A non-CFP bowl appearance would trigger a bonus equal to one-twelfth of his annual base salary at the time.
Petrino also received a $10,000 signing bonus, $15,000 in relocation expenses and a $7,500 annual vehicle allowance.
If the university terminates the contract, it would owe Petrino the remaining salary due in his contract term. If Petrino leaves early, he would be responsible for paying UNC the sum of any remaining unpaid base salary for the length of the agreement, although that amount would be waived if he accepts a head coaching position or retires for the duration of the contract.
Petrino was hired by UNC head coach Bill Belichick in January, bringing decades of experience that includes head coaching stops at Louisville, Arkansas and in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. He has compiled a 137-78 record as a college head coach. He’s widely known for developing high-powered offenses, including coaching 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 9:54 AM.