Art Briles hired at Division II Eastern New Mexico, has $1 million buyout

Former Baylor coach Art Briles has been hired at Eastern New Mexico, sources told On3.

Briles received a 3-year deal that includes a buyout of more than $1 million if he leaves the Division II school, a source said. The school will officially announce the hiring on Monday, a source said.

Briles, who turns 70 on Dec. 3, coached at Baylor from 2008-15 before being fired as a result of the football program’s sexual assault scandal. Before Baylor, Briles coached Houston from 2002-07. At Houston, Briles worked with assistant athletic director Kevin Fite, who is Eastern New Mexico’s athletic director. 

Briles also coached at the high school level and in Italy after his dismissal from Baylor.

During his eight seasons at Baylor, Briles won the Big 12 Conference title in 2013 and 2014.

Briles was 99-65 in 13 seasons at Baylor and Houston. Despite his success turning both programs around – he was 32-7 his final three years at Baylor – he was deemed not hirable for what happened at Baylor under his watch.

He had been recommended or accepted numerous jobs, including an assistant coach position with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL and offensive coordinator at Southern Miss and Grambling, but later the offers were rescinded or Briles resigned because of public pressure.