We The People: This Day in History, November 28
Art Briles’ Controversial Tenure at Baylor Football
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On November 28, 2007, Baylor University welcomed West Texas native Art Briles as its 25th head football coach.
Briles came to Waco with a big reputation for turning programs around, fresh off leading the University of Houston to four bowl games and a Conference USA championship in just five seasons.
Under Briles’ leadership, Baylor achieved unprecedented success, including Robert Griffin III winning the Heisman Trophy, back-to-back Big 12 championships, and the construction of McLane Stadium.
Controversy over a report of sexual assault involving the football team led to his firing in 2016.
In 2023, Briles was dismissed from a federal Title IX lawsuit, with the judge ruling no reasonable jury could find him negligent.
Briles’ time at Baylor remains a complex chapter, marked by both historic on-field triumphs and significant off-field challenges.
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