Paul Petrino joined the University of South Alabama football staff in 2024 as wide receivers coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2025. A veteran coach with experience spanning collegiate football and the NFL, Petrino made an immediate impact on the Jaguars’ offense. In 2024, South Alabama’s receiving corps totaled 253 receptions for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns — all figures ranking among the top four single-season marks in program history. Under his guidance, Jamaal Pritchett earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors after recording 91 receptions for 1,126 yards and nine touchdowns, tying school single-season records in both catches and touchdown receptions. Petrino also coached Jeremiah Webb to MVP honors in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl following a 182-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Jaguars’ 30–23 victory.
Prior to arriving in Mobile, Petrino served two seasons as offensive coordinator at Central Michigan and previously spent nine seasons as head coach at Idaho, earning Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2016 after leading the Vandals to a 9–4 record and a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory. His extensive résumé includes offensive coordinator roles at Arkansas (two stints), Illinois, and Louisville, along with an NFL season as wide receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Petrino began his coaching career at Carroll College, his alma mater, where he was a Hall of Fame quarterback. A native of Butte, Montana, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Carroll College in 1989 and brings decades of offensive leadership and player development experience to South Alabama.
