Bobby Petrino isn't trying to prove anything to anybody as he begins first year at Texas A&M

Bobby Petrino comes to Texas A&M as a well-known name after spending the past two decades as a head coach either at the college or NFL level. A respected offensive mind, he now takes over play-calling duties from Jimbo Fisher as the Aggies offensive coordinator.

It will mark a return to the FBS for Petrino, whose previous stints at both Arkansas and Louisville were marred with controversy and ended with his firing. But as he assumes an assistant role for the first time since 2002, he is focused solely on moving forward with where he’s at.

“The way I look at it is, I’m not interested in showing people anything,” Petrino said at fall camp. “My thing right now is to have the opportunity to work with young men. Try to do everything I can to provide them confidence in what they’re doing. Try to make sure that they understand that they need to use the gifts that God gave them to be the best that they possibly can be. I get to effect their lives in a positive manner, so that’s really what I’m enjoying the most.”

Petrino saw success as the head coach of the Razorbacks from 2008-11, leading them to an 11-2 record as the national No. 15 scoring offense in his final season. However, he was fired ahead of 2012 after it was discovered that he was having an affair with a former Arkansas volleyball player whom he hired onto his staff.

After a one-year hiatus, Petrino took over at Western Kentucky in 2013 before returning to Louisville in 2014. He led the Cardinals to at least eight wins in his first four seasons but ultimately was fired after going 2-8 in 2018. That led to him landing at FCS Missouri State, whom he coached for the past three seasons before accepting the Aggies offensive coordinator opening.

Petrino takes over an A&M offense hoping to bounce back after a 5-7 season that saw them rank 101st in the FBS in points per game (22.8) He inherits plenty of talent such as former five-star receiver Evan Stewart and do-it-all threat Ainias Smith. He also has a pair of capable quarterbacks — Conner Weigman and Max Johnson — who are currently competing for the starting job.

As he aims to help those players reach their potential, he understands the responsibility.

“It’s not about me. It’s about the offense,” Petrino said. “The input that you get from all the assistants and coach, we mold it together. We work hard on game planning then I get to go out in the game decide what play to call. When they boo and it’s a bad call, that’s my fault. But I’m excited about it. It’s been fun. Our assistant coaches are great, too. The amount of input and effect they have on what we’ll end up doing on offense is tremendous.”

Aggies fans can get their first look at the Bobby Petrino-led offense when A&M kicks off the 2023 season on Sept. 2 against New Mexico.