Former Baylor University football coach Art Briles has been appointed as the new head coach at Eastern New Mexico University, according to sources familiar with the situation. The three-year contract includes a substantial buyout clause exceeding $1 million for early departure, highlighting the school’s commitment to Briles despite his controversial past. An official announcement from the university is expected on Monday.
Briles, who will turn 70 on December 3, previously coached at Baylor from 2008 until his dismissal in 2015 due to a scandal involving sexual assault accusations within the program. His coaching career also includes a successful tenure at the University of Houston from 2002 to 2007, where he built a strong reputation. Notably, during his time at Baylor, he led the team to claim the Big 12 Conference title in both 2013 and 2014, establishing a competitive program with a record of 99 wins and 65 losses over 13 seasons.
Before his recent hire, Briles faced significant challenges securing coaching positions. He had opportunities to work in roles such as an assistant coach in the Canadian Football League and as an offensive coordinator at Southern Miss and Grambling, but these offers were ultimately retracted due to external pressures surrounding his past.
Given his controversial history, his hiring at Eastern New Mexico has sparked discussions about accountability and the complexities of redemption in the world of sports. While Briles’ previous successes cannot be ignored, this new chapter at Eastern New Mexico will certainly involve scrutiny concerning his leadership and the implications of his hiring for the university. The move reflects a significant gamble by the university in the hopes of revitalizing its football program under Briles’ experienced guidance.