LITTLE ROCK — Such a convenience sometimes results in subject lines that are unrelated to the text. For instance, what started as a back-and-forth about a newspaper column evolved into an epistle on family developments, some of the personal nature.
At one point, the person on the other end revised the topic with the note: “I thought it more appropriate to provide you a better e-mail header than the one you’ve responded to so often.”
The update is “Old Golfer,” in-print proof that a brother can say things to a sibling that friends and co-workers would not dare utter.
Don’t assume that such rapport is something that Paul Petrino has over Garrick McGee or any other offensive coordinator working for Bobby Petrino. Paul was at ease, suggesting from the press box, and big brother would listen. But, Bobby’s confidence in his brother was rooted in the fact that Paul has been a long-time assistant, and that they both learned football from the same mentors, including their father.
If there is any doubt about the two men sharing beliefs, note Paul’s news conference in Champaign, where Illinois’ new offensive coordinator said his philosophy was “FTS. Feed the studs.” Bobby Petrino used that exact phrase in Sports Illustrated’s 2005 college football preview.
A former quarterback, McGee is competent and the Arkansas offense may not miss a beat. The immediate question is whether he will feel as free to communicate as his predecessor.
For instance, Arkansas was leading Mississippi State 21-14 and the play had been relayed to the field when Paul spotted an upcoming blitz. He got word to the sideline and quarterback Ryan Mallett was told to use a fake cadence to check out the defense. Indeed, the blitz was on and the perfect response was a quick screen to Cobi Hamilton for 64 yards and a touchdown.
There have been times when the head coach has asked his brother what he sees from upstairs and, believing that Paul was tuned in, turned over the play-calling for a series or more.
On the field, they are different. Paul is usually clapping, often accompanied by, “Here we go, here we go.” Bobby doesn’t say much unless he’s correcting a mistake; taking a good play in stride, and moving on.
Bobby once joked about the coach the players called the “little Petrino” being a wrestler, telling his brother not to recruit any wrestlers because they are too small. Paul followed up by admitting that big brother told him, “Bring me some basketball players.”
Paul’s raise of about $167,000 per year to $475,000 is hefty, but his departure is not about money. The move was a must for a man who wants to be a head coach. No matter his contributions nor his title, as long as he worked for his brother, Paul was going to be in his brother’s shadow.
While job-hunting, he kept his brother informed and the updates made for a seamless transition. In fact, the university announced McGee’s promotion about 30 minutes before Petrino’s news conference in Champaign. The heads-up also means Bobby has had time to get a hire in mind. Once the new man is on board, the head coach will teach him the Petrino system.
A good recruiter is preferred since Paul excelled in that area, particularly in selling skill players.
Harry King is sports columnist for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau.