Petrino comes to Conway after spending the past six seasons at Missouri State University, serving as the Bears’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020 through the 2025 season, including the program’s first year competing at the FBS level as a member of Conference USA.
In 2025, Petrino helped guide Missouri State to a 7–6 record and a berth in the Xbox Bowl, marking the program’s first bowl appearance following its transition to the FBS. Missouri State finished the season averaging 392.2 yards of total offense per game.
Under Petrino’s direction in 2025, eight Missouri State players earned All-Conference USA honors, highlighted by quarterback Jacob Clark, who earned All-CUSA recognition. Petrino’s offense also produced additional honorees across the offensive line, skill positions, and special teams.
Prior to Missouri State’s move to the FBS, Petrino coordinated one of the nation’s most productive offenses at the FCS level. In 2024, the Bears ranked fifth nationally in passing offense at 306.2 yards per game, 17th in total offense at 424.8 yards per game, and 13th in scoring offense at 34.8 points per game.
Petrino’s résumé includes working directly with Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson during the 2016 season at Louisville, when Petrino served as the Cardinals’ quarterbacks coach. That season, Jackson became the first Heisman Trophy winner in school history. During his acceptance speech, Jackson thanked Petrino by name, saying:
“I want to give a thanks to Nick Petrino, my quarterback coach,” said Jackson. “He puts so much into me. He’s a young coach, but he always believed in me. He always tell(s) me, ‘You’re going to be great one day.’ So shoutout to Nick Petrino.”
Jackson accounted for more than 5,100 yards of total offense and 51 touchdowns during his Heisman campaign.
Petrino also brings firsthand experience as a former quarterback. He played collegiately at Arkansas, where he was part of the Razorbacks’ quarterback room before beginning his coaching career. His background as a former quarterback has helped shape his approach to player development, preparation, and offensive structure throughout his coaching career.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Beard and Coastal Carolina,” Petrino said. “I’m excited to bring an offensive philosophy that plays fast, attacks defenses, and is exciting for our players and fans, while continuing to develop our quarterbacks and offensive unit.”
Petrino’s coaching background includes stops at Arkansas, Western Kentucky, Louisville, and UT Martin prior to his tenure at Missouri State.
NICK PETRINO QUICK FACTS
Playing Career
Arkansas — Quarterback
Coaching Career
2010–11 — Arkansas (Student Coach)
2013 — Western Kentucky (Student Assistant)
2014–15 — Louisville (Graduate Assistant)
2015–18 — Louisville (Quarterbacks Coach)
2019 — UT Martin (Co-Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach)
2020–25 — Missouri State (Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach)
