On Thursday morning, former Louisville and Arkansas HC Bobby Petrino was hired at Missouri State. The long-time coach will likely bring a spark to a Missouri State program that has never been a football powerhouse and does not have much to lose. Petrino as a person is a risky option, but he is a successful coach.
Petrino last coached at Louisville in 2018. He went 2-8 in that season before being fired. Prior to 2018, Petrino won eight or more games in every season since 2008 during his stops at Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Arkansas. Petrino has won an Orange Bowl and a Cotton Bowl, while also appearing in the Citrus Bowl and Sugar Bowl. At Louisville, Petrino recruited and coached Heisman-winner and future NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. With a 119-56 record in his career, Bobby Petrino is one of the more successful coaches in college football.
Is It a Good Move?
Missouri State football has not experienced much success in the tough Missouri Valley Conference. Former Mizzou DC Dave Steckel was let go by the Bears last week after agreeing to separate. Steckel went 13-42 in his five years in Springfield after being one of the most high-profile hires in program history. Missouri State has not had a winning record in football since 2009 when they went 6-5. They have not made the FCS playoffs since 1990.
As a Missouri State alumni, I am not sure how to feel about this hire. With such a downtrodden program, I am happy that we are taking steps to improve. However, a coach like Bobby Petrino would not be available if it were not for his baggage. Petrino may also use one good season to vault himself back to the FBS level. There are risks that are associated with a hire like this and AD Kyle Moats may face a lot of backlash. But, if this move works out for Missouri State, this may be the beginning of a great program.