Former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino receives major pay raise at Louisville

Louisville is quite happy to have Bobby Petrino back in charge of its football program, and proved it by upping the former Arkansas coach’s pay.

According to ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, Petrino and the Cardinals have reached an agreement on a new seven-year contract that is worth $30.625 million.

Louisville’s Bobby Petrino receives new 7-year deal worth $30.625 million, averaging $4.35M/year, sources told @ESPN

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) April 14, 2016

The annual average of $4.35 million will place him among college football’s elite in terms of annual pay.

According to USA Today’s report on 2015 coaching salaries, $4.35 million would have been good enough to place him in the Top 10 of that list, just behind LSU coach Les Miles.

For reference, current Arkansas coach Bret Bielema was reported to make $3.96 million last season. Petrino made just over $3 million.

Petrino was 34-17 during his four years at Arkansas, and has a 17-9 record in two years since returning to Louisville.

He most recently defeated Texas A&M in the Music City Bowl to end the 2015 season.

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.