The Louisville Cardinals football program continues to build out its coaching staff under head coach Jeff Brohm, officially announcing two key additions on Tuesday. And both names should ring a bell for Cardinals fans - one is a seasoned offensive mind returning for a third stint with the program, and the other is a former player-turned-coach with a growing résumé on the defensive side.
Paul Petrino Returns to Louisville
Let’s start with the familiar face: Paul Petrino is back in Louisville, this time as a Senior Offensive Assistant overseeing the tight ends. This marks his third go-round with the Cardinals, and if history is any indicator, his return could pay serious dividends.
Petrino’s previous stints in Louisville were marked by explosive offensive football. He coached wide receivers from 1998-99 and later served as offensive coordinator and receivers coach from 2003-06.
That early-2000s run was arguably one of the most dynamic offensive eras in program history. In 2004, his offense led the nation in both total yards per game (539.8) and scoring (49.8 points per game).
Two years later, the Cardinals ranked second nationally in total offense, averaging 475.5 yards per contest.
That wasn’t just flash - it was execution, creativity, and a deep understanding of how to build a system around talent. Petrino’s offenses didn’t just move the ball; they overwhelmed defenses with balance, tempo, and precision.
Now, he returns with more than 35 years of coaching experience under his belt, most recently serving as offensive coordinator at South Alabama in 2025 after coaching wide receivers there the year prior. His track record of developing talent and producing high-powered offenses spans multiple stops, including offensive coordinator roles at Arkansas, Illinois, Central Michigan, and of course, Louisville.
He’s also no stranger to leading a program. Petrino was the head coach at Idaho from 2013-21, guiding the Vandals through a challenging transition period and earning Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors in 2016 after a nine-win season capped by a bowl victory. That kind of leadership experience - combined with his NFL stint as a wide receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 - gives him a well-rounded perspective that could be invaluable in mentoring both players and younger coaches.
Petrino’s offensive background includes work with quarterbacks, wideouts, and tight ends, making him a versatile asset for Brohm’s staff. With Louisville’s tight end room looking to take a step forward, he’s the kind of coach who can bring both technical detail and big-picture vision.
Jontavius Morris Joins Defensive Staff
On the other side of the ball, Jontavius Morris is back in Cardinal red as a Defensive Assistant, working specifically with the defensive tackles. Morris is no stranger to this program or to Jeff Brohm, having served as a quality control assistant at Louisville in 2023 and 2024. He’s also worked under Brohm at Purdue, where he began carving out his coaching path as a recruiting and graduate assistant.
Most recently, Morris coached defensive ends at Louisiana Monroe in 2025. Now, he returns to his roots on the interior defensive line - a position he knows intimately from his playing days.
As a collegiate defensive tackle, Morris spent three seasons at UAB, starting 19 games and racking up 54 tackles. His 2014 season stood out - 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, two blocked kicks, and a 43-yard fumble return touchdown against North Texas.
After UAB, he transferred to Western Kentucky, where he played a key role on Brohm’s 2015 Conference USA championship squad. That year, he posted 34 tackles, five for loss, two sacks, and showed his versatility with pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Morris brings a player’s perspective to the position - he’s been in the trenches, understands the physicality and technique required, and now channels that experience into his coaching. He also brings academic credentials, holding a degree in healthcare management from UAB and a master’s in technology leadership and innovation from Purdue - a combination that speaks to his discipline and leadership off the field as well.
What This Means for Louisville
These hires reflect Brohm’s continued commitment to building a staff that blends experience with familiarity - coaches who know the program, understand the culture, and can hit the ground running.
Petrino adds a wealth of offensive knowledge and a proven track record of success, particularly with skill positions and offensive scheming. His influence on the tight ends could be a significant boost for a unit looking to become more dynamic in Brohm’s system.
Morris, meanwhile, brings continuity and energy to the defensive line room. His connection with Brohm and firsthand understanding of the position make him a valuable presence for a group that thrives on toughness and technique.
As Louisville continues to shape its identity under Brohm, these additions bring both stability and upside. The Cardinals are clearly investing in coaches who not only know how to win but also know what it means to win at Louisville.