Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bobby Petrino’s Net Worth?
Bobby Petrino, a prominent figure in American football coaching, has accumulated a considerable net worth over his career. As of 2024, Bobby Petrino’s net worth is estimated to be $18 million. This wealth is a result of his extensive career in both collegiate and professional football, where he has held various high-profile coaching positions and secured lucrative contracts. His financial standing reflects not only his coaching acumen but also his ability to negotiate favorable terms throughout his career.
Bobby Petrino’s Salary and Contract Details
Throughout his career, Bobby Petrino has signed several significant contracts that have substantially contributed to his wealth. In July 2006, while serving as the head coach at the University of Louisville, he signed a 10-year contract worth $25.6 million. This deal underscored his value to the university and reflected his successful tenure, which included leading the Cardinals to 11 wins in 2004 and 12 wins in 2006, along with an Orange Bowl appearance.
However, Petrino’s career took an unexpected turn when he accepted a position with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) in January 2007. He signed a 5-year, $24 million contract to coach the Falcons. His time in the NFL was short-lived, as he resigned after coaching only 13 games, marking a tumultuous period in his career.
Following his departure from the Falcons, Petrino returned to the collegiate ranks, signing a 5-year, $14.25 million contract with the University of Arkansas. This deal was later extended to seven years, highlighting the university’s confidence in his ability to lead the Razorbacks. Despite being fired in 2012 amidst controversies, Petrino continued to receive payments from the school, ultimately earning $18 million from his contract, showcasing the financial safeguards built into his agreements.
In April 2016, Petrino returned to the University of Louisville, signing a 7-year contract worth $30.625 million. This deal translated to an average annual salary of just over $4 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The contract terms reflected his past successes with the Cardinals and the university’s desire to regain its competitive edge under his leadership.
Most recently, in December 2023, Petrino was re-hired by the University of Arkansas as the offensive coordinator. His current contract stipulates a salary of approximately $1.6 million per year. In addition to his base salary, Petrino’s contract includes several perks, such as a country club membership, a $7,200 annual car allowance, eight tickets to every home game, and $25,000 to cover moving expenses and temporary housing. These additional benefits enhance the overall value of his compensation package.
Bobby Petrino’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 10, 1961, in Lewistown, Montana, Bobby Petrino’s journey to becoming a successful football coach began in his formative years. Raised in Helena, Montana, he attended Capital High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1979. Following high school, Petrino enrolled at Carroll College, a local institution where he pursued a degree in physical education, graduating in 1983. During his time at Carroll College, he played as a quarterback for the Fighting Saints football team, gaining valuable experience and insight into the game.
Petrino’s coaching career officially commenced in 1983 when he served as a graduate assistant coach at Carroll College. This initial role provided him with foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for his future endeavors. His father, Bob Petrino Sr., played a significant role in his early development, serving as the head coach at Carroll College from 1971 to 1999. This familial influence and mentorship undoubtedly shaped Bobby’s passion for football and his approach to coaching.
In 1984, Petrino expanded his coaching experience by becoming a graduate assistant coach at Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. The following year, he returned to his alma mater, Carroll College, to serve as an offensive coordinator for two seasons. These early coaching positions allowed Petrino to hone his skills and develop his coaching philosophy, setting the stage for his subsequent roles at larger institutions.
From 1987 to 1988, Petrino returned to Weber State as a wide receivers coach, further diversifying his coaching expertise. In 1989, he transitioned to the University of Idaho, where he served as the quarterbacks coach. He then became the offensive coordinator at the University of Idaho from 1990 to 1991, demonstrating his growing capabilities in offensive strategy and play-calling.
Petrino’s career continued to advance as he took on the role of quarterbacks coach at Arizona State University from 1992 to 1993. In 1994, he moved to the University of Nevada, where he served as both quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and capable coach. His tenure at Utah State University from 1995 to 1997 as offensive coordinator further enhanced his profile.
In 1998, Petrino served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Louisville, marking a significant step in his career trajectory. The following year, he joined the National Football League (NFL) as the quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He remained with the Jaguars for three seasons, eventually becoming the offensive coordinator in his final season, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel at the professional level.
In 2002, Petrino returned to the collegiate ranks as the offensive coordinator at Auburn University. This move preceded his ascent to head coaching positions, which would ultimately define his career and contribute significantly to Bobby Petrino’s net worth. After two decades in various head coaching roles, he returned to assistant coaching in late 2022, serving briefly as the offensive coordinator at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before taking on the offensive coordinator role at Texas A&M University for one season, leading to his current role at the University of Arkansas.
Head Coaching Career and Key Milestones
Bobby Petrino’s head coaching career began at the University of Louisville from 2003 to 2006. During his tenure, he led the Cardinals to significant achievements, including 11 wins in 2004 and 12 wins in 2006, culminating in an Orange Bowl appearance in 2006. These successes significantly raised his profile and made him a sought-after coaching commodity.
Despite signing a 10-year contract in the summer of 2006 to remain head coach at Louisville, Petrino left in early 2007 to become head coach for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. His time with the Falcons was brief and unsuccessful, as he resigned after just 13 games. This move was widely criticized and marked a low point in his professional career.
Following his departure from the Falcons, Petrino became the head coach at the University of Arkansas. There, he led the Razorbacks to the 2011 Sugar Bowl, their first major bowl appearance in two decades. Although they lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes, the achievement signaled a resurgence for the program under his leadership.
In 2011, Petrino led the Razorbacks to an impressive 11-2 season, culminating in a victory at the 2012 Cotton Bowl Classic. This successful season was a high point in his tenure at Arkansas and further solidified his reputation as a capable head coach. However, his time at Arkansas was marred by scandal in the spring of 2012.
Petrino’s career took a significant turn when he was involved in a motorcycle crash while riding with Jessica Dorrell, a former Arkansas volleyball player. It was subsequently revealed that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with Dorrell, who had been hired as a student-athlete development coordinator for the football program. As a result, Petrino was fired from the University of Arkansas, damaging his reputation and career prospects.
Despite the scandal, Petrino was hired as the new head coach at Western Kentucky University at the end of 2012. He signed a four-year contract but only served one season at the school. His brief tenure at Western Kentucky was seen as an opportunity to rehabilitate his image and return to the coaching ranks.
In 2014, Petrino returned to the University of Louisville, where he served as head coach until 2018. Following a string of successful seasons from 2015 to 2017, the Louisville Cardinals struggled in 2018, leading to Petrino’s firing. Despite the disappointing end to his second stint at Louisville, his earlier successes contributed to Bobby Petrino’s net worth.
From 2020 to 2022, Petrino served as the head coach at Missouri State University. During his tenure, he led the Bears to two FCS playoff appearances, their first such appearances in three decades. This accomplishment demonstrated his ability to rebuild and lead programs to success, even at smaller institutions.
Throughout his head coaching career, Bobby Petrino has demonstrated a knack for turning programs around and achieving significant milestones. His ability to attract lucrative contracts and generate on-field success has significantly contributed to Bobby Petrino’s net worth. Despite controversies and setbacks, he has remained a prominent figure in college football, continually seeking opportunities to coach and lead teams.
