After a three-year hiatus from college football, former Baylor head coach Art Briles is back in the game as the newly hired head coach of Eastern New Mexico. This news has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike, as Briles brings with him a wealth of experience and success.
Briles’ coaching career began in 1979 at his alma mater, the University of Houston, where he served as a graduate assistant. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the head coach of the Houston Cougars in 2003. Under his leadership, the team had a record-breaking season in 2006 and made it to the Conference USA Championship game. This success caught the attention of Baylor University, and Briles was hired as their head coach in 2008.
During his eight-year tenure at Baylor, Briles transformed the struggling football program into one of the most dominant teams in the Big 12 Conference. He led the team to four bowl game appearances and won two Big 12 Championships. In 2013, the Bears had an impressive record of 11-2 and were ranked 13th in the final AP poll. Briles’ innovative offensive strategies and ability to recruit top talent played a significant role in the team’s success.
However, in 2016, Briles’ time at Baylor came to an abrupt end when he was fired amid a sexual assault scandal involving players on the team. Despite the controversy, Briles maintained his innocence and continued to pursue opportunities in the football world. After a brief stint in the Canadian Football League, he is now back on American soil and ready to lead the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds to victory.
The decision to hire Briles was met with some criticism, as many believed that his past actions should disqualify him from coaching again. However, Eastern New Mexico University President Dr. Jeff Elwell defended the hiring, stating that Briles had undergone extensive training and education on Title IX policies and procedures. He also emphasized that the university is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students.
Briles himself has expressed remorse for the events at Baylor and has promised to learn from his mistakes. He recognizes the opportunity he has been given at Eastern New Mexico and is determined to make the most of it. In a statement, Briles said, “I am grateful for the chance to coach again and am committed to being a positive influence on the players and the community.”
The Eastern New Mexico players are thrilled to have Briles as their new coach and are eager to learn from his expertise. Senior quarterback Wyatt Strand has praised Briles’ offensive strategies and believes that he will bring a winning mentality to the team. “We are ready to work hard and make our mark in the conference under Coach Briles’ leadership,” he said.
The Greyhounds have struggled in recent years, with a 4-7 record in the 2019 season. However, with the addition of Briles, there is renewed hope for a successful future. His track record of turning struggling teams into champions speaks for itself, and fans are excited to see what he can do with the Eastern New Mexico program.
In addition to his coaching abilities, Briles is also known for his commitment to community service and giving back. During his time at Baylor, he and his wife, Jan, started the “Coach Briles Foundation,” which focuses on supporting and empowering at-risk youth. This dedication to making a positive impact off the field is something that has not gone unnoticed and is sure to resonate with the Eastern New Mexico community.
As the countdown to the 2020 college football season begins, all eyes will be on Eastern New Mexico and their new head coach. There is no doubt that Art Briles will bring a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the team, and his return to college football is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport. Welcome back, Coach Briles, the Greyhounds are ready to run with you.
