Former Baylor Head Coach Rumored as Next HC at Eastern New Mexico

PORTALES, N.M. — Art Briles is returning to college football. Eastern New Mexico University is set to hire the former Baylor head coach, marking his first job at the collegiate level in nearly a decade.

Briles, 69, has not coached in college since Baylor dismissed him in 2016 following the university’s investigation into its handling of sexual assault allegations involving football players. Since then, he has worked in the Italian Football League with Guelfi Firenze and spent two seasons coaching at Mount Vernon High School in Texas. Many believe that Briles was used as a scapegoat in the scandal, but it looks like the coaching legend finally has another chance in college football.

Several attempts for Briles to re-enter the college or professional ranks fell apart amid public backlash. Grambling State announced him as offensive coordinator in 2022 before Briles withdrew four days later, saying he did not want to be a distraction. The CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats also reversed course on hiring him in 2017.

Eastern New Mexico athletic director Kevin Fite previously worked in compliance at Houston during Briles’ tenure there. Briles rose to prominence in Texas high school football at Stephenville High School before moving into the college ranks, compiling a 99-65 record at Baylor and Houston with three conference championships. Baylor won at least 10 games in four of Briles’ final five seasons.

Briles apologized in a 2016 interview with ESPN after his dismissal, saying he made mistakes and intended to “learn” and “do better.” In 2023, a federal judge ruled he was not negligent in a case involving a 2014 assault reported by a Baylor student. Baylor ultimately paid Briles a $15.1 million settlement related to his firing. With that ruling, it was clear Baylor wanted to wash their hands of the situation, using Briles as the fall guy.

Eastern New Mexico relieved former head coach Kelley Lee last Monday. The Greyhounds finished with a 3-8 record in 2025 and fell 31-20 to Angelo State in September.