Report: TCU, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles have 'mutual interest'

TCU is fresh off a national championship appearance but is already searching for a new offensive coordinator. Garrett Riley surprised most by leaving in favor of Clemson, heading to work with quarterback Cade Klubnik for the next two seasons.

Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes wanted to make a statement with his new hire and has reportedly put himself in position to do exactly that.

According to Jon Brice of Football Scoop, TCU has “mutual interest” with Kendal Briles to become the program’s next offensive coordinator. He has been with the Arkansas Razorbacks for the past three seasons, serving as the OC and the quarterback coach.

Arkansas has been one of the feel-good stories of college football since Sam Pittman took over, moving out of the doormat of the SEC West. Briles has been a big proponent in that, being a top-50 scoring offense over the past two seasons.

TCU averaged 38.8 points and 455 yards per game this season with Riley running the show. While some talent is leaving, the NCAA transfer portal has been hit hard as well. Of the six takes the Horned Frogs have lined up, five have come on the offensive end.

Briles is the son of infamous Baylor head coach Art Briles. The younger of the duo did get his start of TCU’s arch-rival, beginning as an inside wide receiver coach plus offensive recruiting coordinator. He eventually made his way up to the OC/QB coach title in Waco.

Now, Briles will find himself wearing purple and going up against Baylor on a yearly basis. He will be losing some offensive talent — mainly quarterback Max Duggan and wide receiver Quentin Johnston — to the 2023 NFL Draft.

But if TCU and Dykes are going to keep momentum moving forward, even with Riley leaving, a splash hire was going to have to be made. If everything gets finalized, Briles would be exactly that in Fort Worth.