(Editor’s note: Carroll College athletics release)
HELENA — Carroll College defensive coordinator Jared Petrino is leaving the Fighting Saints football program to join his brother, Jason, in coaching at NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University.
“Having that opportunity to get to the Division I level or higher than you’re at in the coaching world is huge,” Saints football coach Troy Purcell said. “When those doors open, you have to jump through them. We’re sad to see him go, but we understand that this is an opportunity you can’t pass up. It’s an exciting time for him and his family. The Carroll staff and players wish him and his family the best of luck in the future.”
Purcell hired Petrino this past winter as his defensive coordinator. Petrino worked through winter drills and spring practices with the Saints, but ultimately a chance to rejoin his brother Jason, who is the defensive coordinator at SIU, was too good to pass up.
“This was the most difficult professional decision I have had to make in my career because of the love I have for Carroll College and Carroll football,” Jared Petrino said. “I want to thank coach Purcell and (athletic director) Charlie Gross for giving me the opportunity to come back to my alma mater. I believe in the vision that coach Purcell has for this program and was fortunate to get to be a part of the foundation that has been built. I loved working alongside coach Purcell, all the assistant coaches and most importantly, the amazing student-athletes that represent Carroll football. They have left more of an impact on me than I can ever give them and I wish them the best of luck next fall.”
The football team wrapped up its spring practice schedule last Saturday with the annual spring scrimmage, showing signs of what’s to come in the fall.
“I was very pleased with the level of competition displayed in the spring game last Saturday,” Gross said. “The entire coaching staff is to be commended for their efforts in implementing a new system of play. Our student-athletes are now focused on final exams and we all look forward to the fall season ahead.”
Petrino spent three seasons at Rocky Mountain College previous to his time at Carroll. There he served as defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and defensive line coach. He coached at Black Hills State University as a special teams coordinator, defensive line coach and defensive backs coach from 2013-16.
Pat Haynes will be promoted from Carroll College’s defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach.
“We’re pleased to announce after careful consideration and evaluation that Pat Haynes will take over as the defensive coordinator,” Purcell said. “He served as a co-defensive coordinator at Knox College and was a special teams coordinator for four years. With his coordinating experience and his knowledge of our defense, Carroll College will not break stride. We’ll move on and continue the momentum we’ve established in the last four months.”
