Arkansas players say Petrino brings faster tempo and accountability

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When Bobby Petrino returned to lead Arkansas as interim head coach following Sam Pittman’s firing, the Razorbacks immediately noticed a shift in how practices looked and felt.

Players describe faster tempo, more accountability, and renewed energy across the board.

Defensive end Quincy Rhodes said the pace of practice is the biggest difference under Petrino.

“The tempo has definitely changed,” Rhodes said. “It’s a lot quicker. The periods are shorter, but we get a lot of work in. It’s a quick pace, and the coaches have done a great job of focusing on details.”

Running back Mike Washington said while the playbook remains similar, the tone has changed.

“The pace has been great,” Washington said. “In terms of the offense, it hasn’t really changed much, but the tempo is faster. It’s more energetic. Everybody’s locked in.”

Petrino, who coached the Razorbacks from 2008 to 2011 and guided them to a Cotton Bowl victory, has wasted little time reshaping the program. He promoted Chris Wilson to interim defensive coordinator, brought in Jay Hayes to assist with the defensive line, and restructured the way the staff communicates.

Petrino also took back direct control of play calling and game management decisions, including fourth-down strategy.

Quarterback Taylen Green said Petrino has stayed consistent in his message and expectations.

“He still holds us to a high standard,” Green said. “Even when he’s not there, he’s watching. We know how Coach Petrino coaches and what he demands from us every single rep.”

Assistant coach Miles Fishback has been a steadying presence through the change.

“Coach Fishback does a great job of communicating with us and keeping things organized,” Green said.

Petrino praised Wilson’s leadership since taking over the defense.

“Chris does a really nice job of getting everyone to understand what he’s asking them to do,” Petrino said. “He gets them playing fast, and that’s what I like to see.”

He said the team’s approach to game-day strategy has also evolved.

“You have to be thinking ahead,” Petrino said. “You can’t just look at a chart. You need to understand your players, your personnel, and the feel of the game.”

The staff overhaul came swiftly. On Sept. 29, Petrino dismissed defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and defensive line coach Deke Adams.

The firings were meant to reset the team’s focus and energy after a difficult start.

“We’ve all got to learn that there’s change and there’s things that happen,” Petrino said. “In football, you have to always talk about courage.”

Despite the shakeup, players say the locker room remains unified. Washington said the team has embraced Petrino’s message and is determined to finish strong.

“Everybody’s bought in,” he said. “We’re looking to win out these next few games, so that’s the mindset.” Rhodes echoed that sentiment. “Nobody wants to lose,” Rhodes said. “We’re still hungry to win, and we’re still trying to prove us right.”

Safety Caleb Wooden said players understand that coaching changes are part of the sport.

“It’s part of the game,” Wooden said. “It’s a win-or-lose business. If you win, you stay. If you don’t, you go.”

Washington said one of the biggest areas of focus since Petrino’s arrival has been second-half stamina.

“We run out of gas in the second half,” Washington said. “That’s been the emphasis — finishing, staying locked in, and not letting fatigue beat us.”

The coaching staff has increased intensity during weekday sessions.

“We have ‘grind days’ on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” Green said. “They simulate the fourth quarter. They want to see who can execute when they’re tired.”

Arkansas, now 2–3 overall and 0–1 in SEC play, faces Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville. Rhodes said he knows the environment will test their focus.

“I’m definitely expecting a lot of chaos,” Rhodes said. “That’s probably one of the loudest college football stadiums in America.” Green said the offense has practiced communication under pressure.

“My O-linemen will tell me when I need to raise my voice,” Green said. “We’ve got that kind of communication.”

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said the Razorbacks’ changes make them harder to prepare for.

“You can see the energy and the effort they’re playing with,” Heupel said.

Petrino, meanwhile, said his motivation remains the same as it was during his first Arkansas tenure.

“As long as I can get up every morning and work with players who want to get better, I want to keep doing this,” Petrino said.

Key takeaways

• Players say Petrino has increased practice tempo, accountability, and efficiency.
• The midseason staff shakeup has reinforced Petrino’s leadership and urgency to stabilize the team.
• Arkansas remains focused on building momentum as it enters a difficult SEC stretch.