“Nothing weird about this,” “Hide the college-age women”: CFB fans buzz as Bobby Petrino joins Bill Belichick as OC at North Carolina

North Carolina coach Bill Belichick is expected to work with Bobby Petrino for the 2026 college football season. On Monday, multiple reports claimed that UNC is planning to hire Petrino as its new offensive coordinator after agreeing on a deal with him.

When fans on social media found out that Petrino is joining Belichick and North Carolina, they had a range of reactions.

"Nothing weird about this…," one tweeted. "Hide the college-age women," another added. "Bobby is going to steal Jordan, Bill!" a third commented.

Here are a few more reactions.

"I need a hard knocks on this program," one wrote. "Belli getting the Avengers of weird old dudes," another added. "With Michael Lombardi serving as General Manager and a staff now featuring two of the most experienced (and controversial) minds in the game, North Carolina will undoubtedly be the most talked-about team in the ACC next year," a user tweeted.

Petrino will succeed Freddie Kitchens at UNC. The Tar Heels fired Kitchens from his role as the team's offensive coordinator earlier this month after one season.

Petrino spent the past two seasons as Arkansas' offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks' coach. He also served as the Razorbacks' interim head coach in the 2025 season after Sam Pittman was fired later in September.

Petrino had a 0-7 record as Arkansas' interim head coach. Although Petrino has a 137–78 record as a head coach across his career, he will focus strictly on the offensive side of the football under Belichick at UNC.

Bill Belichick had an underwhelming first year as North Carolina's HC

North Carolina HC Bill Belichick - Source: Getty

Bill Belichick signed a five-year, $50 million deal when he was hired as North Carolina's coach in December 2024. However, it's fair to say that the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach failed to live up to expectations in his first year at UNC.

The Tar Heels finished with a 4-8 record in 2025, failing to qualify for a bowl game.

It remains to be seen whether Belichick, who dominated in the NFL, can make a strong impression at the collegiate level with North Carolina.

Edited by Arnold