Petrino Leaves Illini For Arkansas

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois offensive coordinator Paul Petrino has left the school to return to Arkansas.

Interim head coach Vic Koenning said Tuesday that Petrino will return to work for his brother, Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino. Paul Petrino was a Razorbacks coach before coming to Illinois two seasons ago.

Quarterbacks coach Jeff Brohm will be offensive coordinator for the Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA on Dec. 31.

It is the first departure since Ron Zook was fired Nov. 27 but probably not the last. Koenning says assistant coaches could leave before the bowl game if they get jobs elsewhere. Illinois hasn't named a replacement for Zook.

Petrino's offense tied a team record for points per game in 2010 with 32.5. But during this season's six-game losing streak the Illini scored 11 a game.

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