Some might call it creative scouting, but the NCAA calls it a violation. Baylor passing game coordinator Jeff Lebby took advantage of his bye week with the Bears by getting a firsthand look at the Oklahoma Sooners. He did so from the Tulsa sideline, which is not allowed by the NCAA because Baylor is a future opponent of Oklahoma’s.
When asked for a reaction to a Baylor assistant coach being on the Tulsa sideline, Sooners head coach Bob Stoops said it is something that needs to be investigated. Baylor head coach Art Briles said he called Swoops to apologize once learning his assistant was on the sideline, in Oklahoma’s stadium (which is extra bizarre and bold).
“If I had been aware, that situation would’ve never happened,” Briles said in a report from ESPN.com. “When I found out, we alerted all the proper officials on both sides.
“It’s embarrassing to me, quite honestly. To me, there’s not an advantage first and foremost in today’s world. I mean, we had every film they ever got, and they get every film we’ve ever got. So as far as scouting advantage, you’re at a disadvantage standing on the sideline. I don’t think he was there that long -- maybe a quarter. I’m not even sure.”
The Big 12 has not issued comment on this situation at this point in time, nor is it known what the punishment for this sort of violation will end up being. This is not the first time this season Briles has had to respond to violations committed by his coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and receivers coach Tate Wallis have each sat out a game for various violations.
Between the Baylor coaching staff and the ongoing legal dispute between Oklahoma State and Texas over job responsibilities of coaching staff members, there are too many headlines regarding assistant coaches in the Big 12.
Baylor hosts Oklahoma on November 14.