While most of the focus on Art Briles’ future has been connected a potential move to the NFL, it could very well be an FBS program in Baylor’s home state that swipes the innovative head coach from the Bears.
The Austin American-Statesman, citing sources close to Briles, reported very early Wednesday afternoon that Briles would be willing to meet with Texas regarding its opening after the Bears’ Fiesta Bowl Wednesday night. Not only would the coach be interested in listening to overtures from the Longhorns, the American-Statesman writes “that Briles would accept the Texas job if offered.”
Briles, who has deep roots in the state of Texas, has been connected to the vacancy ever since it was announced that Mack Brown would be stepping down after UT’s bowl game. Briles has also been mentioned as a possibility for the opening with the Washington Redskins, where his former quarterback, Robert Griffin III, is viewed as the future of the franchise.
On that front, Briles acknowledged earlier this week that he’s intrigued by how his style of offense would fit at the professional level.
In mid-November, Briles reached an agreement on a new contract that would keep him in Waco through the 2023 season if he remains with the program. While the details of the new deal are not available, it’s believed the buyout is in excess of $4 million and could be as high as $12 million. A program like Texas, however, likely wouldn’t blink at an eight-figure sum
The American-Statesman also confirmed that Louisville head coach Charlie Strong had interviewed with athletic director Steve Patterson a couple of days. The interview took place at an undisclosed location, after which Strong was told that the university planned on interviewing additional candidates.