Arkansas Razorbacks: Bobby Petrino inks extension to stay in Fayetteville for next seven seasons

December 11, 2010|Chris Replogle, KY3 News

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach Bobby Petrino silenced his critics with his signature.

Petrino signed a much anticipated contract extension likely to keep him in Fayetteville the next seven years. The deal is worth $3.65 million per year. That's nearly a million dollars more than his current salary. The contract ranks Petrino as the second-highest paid coach in the Southeastern Conference, seventh annually. The deal supersedes the remaining four years of the his current contract.

“I am excited to express my commitment to the University of Arkansas,” Petrino said. “Chancellor (Dave) Gearhart and Jeff Long have been tremendous in terms of their support and I appreciate the positive energy the fans have demonstrated."

Petrino has made headlines for one of Arkansas' most memorable seasons. In his third season, the Hogs finished 10-2, earning a bid to the Sugar Bowl. It is the school's first BCS Bowl bid. Petrino, however, led the University of Louisville to the 2007 Orange Bowl.

“This agreement demonstrates a mutual long-term commitment between Coach Petrino and the University of Arkansas," said Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long. "Coach Petrino has done a tremendous job in leading the Razorback program to new levels of success both on and off the field."

Petrino has made headlines that have made Arkansas fans anxious. His name has surfaced for several coaching vacancies across the country. That's unlikely to happen throughout the life of his new contract. Why? To buyout the contract, a competing school would have to pay $18 million dollars in 2011 and 2012. The price tag slightly goes down each year to a little under four million in 2017. It also includes a non-compete clause with all SEC schools.

"I appreciate his strong desire to remain at the University of Arkansas to continue to build our program and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes," said Long. "I am excited about the direction of the Razorback Football program and look forward to Coach Petrino serving as the head football coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks for many years to come.”

Arkansas will face Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl January fourth in New Orleans.

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