Heisman Winner Robert Griffin III Expected to Interview for Baylor Head Coaching Position
Former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is slated to interview for the vacant head coaching position at his alma mater.
🎓College SportsPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Robert Griffin III expected to interview at Baylor
- Dave Aranda dismissed after six seasons
- Trend of hiring former NFL stars continues
Returning to Waco
Baylor is set to interview former star quarterback and Heisman Trophy recipient Robert Griffin III regarding its vacant head coaching position, sources close to the recruitment process confirmed. Griffin, who secured the university's lone Heisman Trophy during his standout tenure from 2008 to 2011, currently operates as a television analyst for Fox Sports. The vacancy opened after athletic director Doug McNamee parted ways with Dave Aranda on October 25 following a six-plus season run that yielded a 40-40 record.
Despite lacking prior collegiate coaching credentials, Griffin publicly expressed full interest in taking over the program during a recent media appearance. Pointing to his historical success on the field, the former signal-caller argued that modern collegiate programs require executive-style leaders rather than traditional positional assistants. His potential candidacy reflects a growing trend of universities appointing prominent former players to high-profile leadership roles without traditional coaching backgrounds, following similar moves by programs appointing figures like Philip Rivers and Deion Sanders.
During his illustrious career in Waco, the Texas native amassed 10,366 passing yards and 2,254 rushing yards, ultimately going second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Beyond his own interest, Griffin previously voiced support for alternative candidates, mentioning Boise State's Spencer Danielson, UTSA's Jeff Traylor, and USC's Lincoln Riley.
- Griffin won Baylor's first and only Heisman Trophy in 2011.
- The program dismissed Dave Aranda on October 25 after a 40-40 record.
- Griffin currently works as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.
What to watch next: Monitor further announcements from athletic director Doug McNamee regarding the timeline for the Baylor coaching search.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7779029/2026/11/13/robert-griffin-iii-baylor-h… ↗
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