Art Briles Returns to College Football with Eastern New Mexico

PORTALES, New Mexico — Former Baylor head coach Art Briles has officially returned to college football, signing a three-year contract with Eastern New Mexico University, a Division II program. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Briles’ past controversies had raised questions about his future in the NCAA.

Briles has had a tumultuous career since leaving Baylor in 2016 following a scandal that overshadowed his success on the field. After parting ways with the Bears, he briefly coached in the Italian Football League and at Mount Vernon High School in Texas.

In 2018, Briles led the Estra Guelfi in Italy to an 8-3 record and reached the league final. However, his stint at Mount Vernon saw him caught up in a scandal involving ineligible players, although his record remained intact at 20-6 over two seasons.

Last year, he attempted to return to college football when Hugh Jackson offered him a position as offensive coordinator at Grambling State. This position was short-lived, as Briles resigned just four days later due to backlash over his past.

After that brief setback, Briles returned to Italy, leading a team to a 9-2 record and winning the 41st Italian Bowl. Now, he shifts his focus to Eastern New Mexico, where he will look to revitalize a program that hopes to make strides in upcoming seasons.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and ready to get to work,” Briles said in a statement. Eastern New Mexico officials have expressed optimism about his hiring, stating that they believe he can enhance the team’s performance.

The next few days are expected to be closely monitored, considering Briles’s history with job agreements and subsequent resignations. His return to coaching at the collegiate level marks a significant development in the landscape of college football.