Report: Texas A&M to hire Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator

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Jimbo Fisher is close to signing a new play caller for his Texas A&M Aggies, at least according to reports from ESPN. Bobby Petrino, who took the offensive coordinator job at UNLV earlier this offseason, is close to signing a deal to the Aggies’ newest play caller. Fisher, who has called plays for decades, fired offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Darrell Dicky after the completion of a 5-7 2023. 

The Aggies were atrocious on offense in 2023. They averaged 22 points per game, which was good for 97th in the nation. They ranked 96th nationally in yards per game and 103rd in third down conversion percentage. The 6.3 yards per passing attempt was 110th in the entire FBS. Something needed to change, but not everyone was convinced that Fisher would relinquish play calling duties. 

Petrino, while carrying personal baggage into College Station, is undoubtedly one of the best offensive minds in modern college football. Where he goes, points follow. He was a successful head coach at the college level with 119-56 record over 14 seasons, and even dipped his toe into the NFL ranks with the Atlanta Falcons. He coached Lamar Jackson to a Heisman Trophy at Louisville in 2016. 

He was fired at Arkansas in 2012 after he lied about a motorcycle clash involving a female staffer that Petrino was having an extramarital relationship with at the time. But Fisher doesn’t mind off-field issues in his coaching staff. Current Texas A&M defensive coordinator DJ Durkin was fired from Maryland back in 2020 following an investigation into the death of a player to heatstroke at a team workout. 

Fisher, who must feel like he’s on the hot seat entering 2023 despite a mega buy out, just needs to win. He’s 39-21 through five seasons at Texas A&M, including a 23-18 mark in SEC play. His teams have lost at least three conference games and four regular season games in four of the five years he’s been at the helm. The Aggies have yet to win 10 or more games with Fisher in charge. 

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