TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Game recognizes game.
After he accepted a head coach position at Florida Atlantic University, Lane Kiffin ensured that he would be the CEO behind the program with his first major hire. Following nine years at Baylor University (2008-present), offensive coordinator Kendall Briles will handle the play calling under Kiffin.
ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit broke the news on Friday via Twitter.
Lane Kiffin has hired Kendal Briles as his OC-Giving him full control of the off.-including play calling-allowing Lane to be more of a CEO
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 24, 2016
During his tenure at Baylor, Briles served as a wide receivers coach, offensive recruiting coordinator, pass game coordinator, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He compiled an overall record of 71-43, while being a part of six winning seasons (2010-15). Briles mentored Baylor’s offense to four 10-win seasons (2011, 2013-15), including obtaining a Fiesta Bowl berth in 2013 and a Cotton Bowl appearance in 2014.
Former quarterbacks Robert Griffin III, Nick Florence and Bryce Petty all were 3,000-yard passers and Griffin in particular, he delivered Baylor a Heisman Trophy in 2011. Briles would coach four 1,000-yard rushers—Jay Finley, Terrance Ganaway, Lache Seastrunk and Shock Linwood— and four 1,000-yard receivers—Kendall Wright, Terrance Williams, Antwan Goodley and Corey Coleman—while being under his father, Art Briles.
As of late, the Owls haven’t had a winning season since 2008 (7-6). Though he will help Alabama defend its title as College Football Playoff national champions, Kiffin and Briles look to change the culture at FAU.
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.
