Baylor University, a school founded upon religious principles, stands at the mercy of the NCAA because of a sexual assault scandal that was reported last week. While the program awaits the possible punishment for its actions, Art Briles has already been booted from the institution.
Briles, 60, spent seven seasons at Baylor (2008-15) as head coach. He compiled a 65-37 record that included two Big 12 conference championships in 2013 and 2014. The Bears accomplished four 10+ win seasons and a Heisman Trophy winner (Robert Griffin, III, 2011) in Briles’ eight-year tenure.
He produced the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Year in Bryce Petty during the 2013 season, while putting multiple wide receivers in the NFL Draft. Bears’ standout Corey Coleman became the latest success, as he was taken in the first round (15th pick) of the 2016 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
With Briles out, the search is on for his replacement at Baylor. Ten possible candidates have been thrown into the rumor mill, including Alabama’s offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
According to Bill Bender of Sporting News, the move may not happen this season but Kiffin will continue to be someone thought about for a head coaching job. The 40-year-old is on a list that includes Mack Brown, Mike Singletary, Major Applewhite, Chad Morris and Lincoln Riley.
Kiffin has shown throughout his career that he can run an offense with any type of quarterback.
He took both Blake Sims and Jacob Coker and made them into 3,000-yard passers in the last two seasons at Alabama. Coker went on to guide the Tide to a national championship in 2015.
Kiffin has been approached by Maryland and a few other programs, but for now he continues to be under Nick Saban at Alabama. He looks to guide the program to its 17th national title in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
