Robert Griffin III Expresses Strong Interest in Baylor Head Coaching Position
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III has declared his 100 percent interest in coaching his alma mater, Baylor University, following the recent firing of head coach Dave Aranda.
Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has publicly stated his keen interest in the head coaching position at Baylor University, his alma mater. The announcement comes days after Baylor fired head coach Dave Aranda.
Griffin, currently a college football analyst for Fox Sports and host of the "Outta Pocket" podcast, revealed his enthusiasm for the opportunity during an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." He also indicated that he has already spoken with Baylor's athletic director, Doug McNamee, about the role.
"Yes, 100 percent," Griffin said when asked about his interest. "If Baylor wants to get back to winning and have a university that isn’t just respectable on the football field, but the fans can be proud of, they need people who know what it looks like to win at Baylor. So yeah, I would 100 percent be interested."
Griffin was a pivotal player for Baylor, leading the team to a 10-3 record and a Heisman Trophy in 2011. That season, he threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, with only six interceptions, and added 699 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance marked the school's first 10-win season since 1980.
Baylor fired Aranda on Sunday after six and a half seasons, during which he compiled a 40-40 record. Joe Klanderman has been named interim coach for the remainder of the current season. McNamee confirmed in an open letter on Monday that the search for a new head coach has begun, with a hire anticipated in December, aligning with the football calendar.
The Bears are currently 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play. The team lost 25-24 to Kansas on Saturday after a field goal was blocked in the final minute. This followed a four-game winning streak and a 17-6 home loss to TCU the previous week. Baylor is scheduled to play UCF next.
Since Griffin's departure for the NFL in 2012, Baylor has achieved seven seasons with at least eight wins and secured three Big 12 championships. However, the team's overall record has been 26-31 since a school-record 12 wins in 2021, which included a Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl victory under Aranda.