Art Briles Hired as Head Coach at Eastern New Mexico University

Art Briles is returning to college football. The former Baylor coach has been hired by Eastern New Mexico University. The school confirmed the move this week.

This ends Briles’ near-decade absence from the collegiate level. His hiring at the Division II program immediately sparked widespread debate. It marks a controversial new chapter for both the coach and the university.

A Career Defined by On-Field Success and Off-Field Scandal

Briles was once a celebrated offensive mastermind. He led Baylor University to unprecedented success. The Bears won multiple conference titles under his leadership.

His career collapsed in 2016. Briles was fired from Baylor. This followed a review of the university’s handling of sexual assault cases involving football players.

According to Associated Press reports, the scandal led to a massive institutional shakeup. Briles has since coached in Italy and at the Texas high school level. His attempts to return to college football have repeatedly faced strong public backlash.

The Long Road Back to a College Sideline

Eastern New Mexico represents Briles’ most significant chance at redemption. The university’s athletic director has a prior professional relationship with Briles. This connection likely played a role in the decision.

The Greyhounds are coming off a difficult 3-8 season. The program is seeking a turnaround. Hiring a coach with Briles’ proven record is a high-risk, high-reward strategy.

A 2023 federal court ruling found Briles was not negligent in a case related to the Baylor scandal. This legal development may have made his hiring more palatable to some administrators.

Immediate Reactions and Lasting Questions

The news has drawn mixed reactions across the sports world. Some see it as a deserved second chance. Others view it as a disregard for past transgressions.

For Eastern New Mexico, the hire guarantees national attention. The program will be under an intense spotlight from day one. Every game and decision will be heavily scrutinized.

Briles received a substantial financial settlement after his Baylor dismissal. The exact figure was reported by Reuters as part of the separation agreement. This new role is his first major collegiate position since that payout.

The hiring of Art Briles is a bold gamble for a program seeking relevance. It places a controversial figure back in the coaching ranks. The college football world will be watching to see if this second chance leads to redemption or further controversy.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Art Briles fired from Baylor?

Briles was dismissed in 2016. This followed a review of how Baylor handled sexual assault allegations involving football players. The university’s leadership was also overhauled.

What is Eastern New Mexico’s football record?

The Greyhounds finished the 2025 season with a 3-8 record. The program competes in the NCAA’s Division II Lone Star Conference. They are looking to improve their standing.

Has Briles coached since leaving Baylor?

Yes, but not at the U.S. college level. He led a team in the Italian Football League. He also coached at a Texas high school before this new appointment.

What was the result of the 2023 court case?

A federal judge ruled Briles was not negligent. The case involved a Baylor student who reported an assault. This ruling was a significant legal outcome for the former coach.

How have people reacted to this hiring?

Reactions are deeply divided. Some support the move based on football expertise. Others criticize it due to the circumstances of his Baylor departure.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, ESPN, Reuters, Field Level Media