Robert Griffin III says he would ‘100%’ take Baylor’s vacant head football coach job
Robert Griffin III says he would be fully interested in taking Baylor’s vacant head football coach job, citing his experience of winning at the university and his conversation with athletic director Doug McNamee. Baylor has not indicated whether Griffin is under consideration, and he has never coached at any level.
Griffin played four seasons for Baylor, finishing 25-21 overall and leading the team to a 10-3 record and an Alamo Bowl win in his 2011 Heisman-winning season. Baylor dismissed head coach Dave Aranda after the Bears fell to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12, naming defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman interim coach while it searches for a replacement.
In short
- Griffin says he would take Baylor’s coaching job.
- He has no coaching experience.
- Baylor dismissed Aranda after a 4-3 start.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Griffin’s deep ties to Baylor, his record-setting playing career and firsthand experience of the programme’s culture could help him inspire players, recruit and restore confidence among supporters. His conversation with the athletic director suggests he is engaged with the university, and a former star could bring energy and a clear sense of what success at Baylor can look like.
The case against
Leading a major college football programme requires coaching, staff management and recruiting experience, and Griffin has never coached at any level. His playing success does not by itself show that he can build and run a team, so Baylor could reasonably prioritise candidates with an established coaching record while weighing the risks of a high-profile appointment.
Explained simply
Baylor is a university in Texas whose Bears play American college football in the Big 12 Conference. The head coach leads the team and oversees its training and tactics; the role is vacant following Dave Aranda’s dismissal, with defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman serving as interim coach.
Robert Griffin III played quarterback at Baylor for four seasons. His standout 2011 season brought a Heisman Trophy, awarded to the top player in college football, as well as a 10-3 team record and an Alamo Bowl win.
Griffin’s connection to Baylor and his winning season help explain his interest in the job. He has never coached at any level, and Baylor has not said whether he is being considered.