Full Breakdown
Art Briles Returns to College Football as Head Coach of Eastern New Mexico
11/24/2025, 12:50:54 PM
Overview of Briles' Hiring
Art Briles has been appointed as the head coach of Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), marking his return to college football after nearly a decade. This decision comes after the dismissal of Kelley Lee, who led the Greyhounds to a 3-8 record in the 2025 season. ENMU, a Division II institution located in Portales, New Mexico, competes in the Lone Star Conference. Briles, 69, previously faced significant controversy following his firing from Baylor University in 2016 amid a scandal involving the mishandling of sexual assault allegations within the football program.
Background and Context
Briles' coaching career began at Stephenville High School in Texas, where he achieved notable success before moving to college football. He served as head coach at Houston and Baylor, where he amassed a 99-65 record and won three conference championships. His tenure at Baylor ended in controversy after an independent investigation revealed serious issues regarding the culture and accountability within the program. This scandal led to the removal of several key figures at Baylor, including President Ken Starr and Athletic Director Ian McCaw.
Since his departure from Baylor, Briles has had various coaching roles, including a stint in the Italian Football League with Guelfi Firenze and a brief period at Mount Vernon High School in Texas. He also faced backlash when he was considered for offensive coordinator positions at Grambling State and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, both of which he ultimately declined due to public outcry.
Official Statements & Responses
Eastern New Mexico's athletic director, Kevin Fite, who previously worked with Briles at Houston, expressed confidence in Briles' ability to lead the program. Briles himself has acknowledged past mistakes, stating in a 2016 interview, "I understand that I made some mistakes, and for that I'm sorry... I'm going to learn. I'm going to do better." This sentiment reflects his attempts to move forward from the controversies that have surrounded his career.
Criticism & Opposition
Briles' hiring has not been without criticism. His previous associations with scandals and the backlash he faced during attempts to return to coaching have raised concerns among some stakeholders in college athletics. Critics argue that his return to a coaching position may undermine efforts to address issues of accountability and safety within college sports.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Briles has received a $15.1 million settlement from Baylor following his firing, a federal judge ruled that he was not negligent in a related case involving a female student. This ruling has led to differing opinions on Briles' culpability in the events that transpired at Baylor, highlighting ongoing debates about his role in the scandal.
What's Next
As Briles takes the helm at Eastern New Mexico, the program will look to improve its performance after several challenging seasons. His hiring signals a significant shift for the Greyhounds, who have not enjoyed a winning season since returning from the pandemic in 2021. The impact of Briles' leadership on the team and the broader implications for college football culture will be closely monitored in the coming months.
