College Football

Art Briles shoots down Texas rumors for good: 'I am a Baylor Bear'

A report said Wednesday he would accept the job if offered to him. Whether Briles' denial means the job wasn't offered to him or not, he's staying in Waco.

By Pete Volk@Pete_Volk Jan 3, 2014, 11:10am EST

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It's 2014, which means rumors on the coaching carousel can be shot down via the coach in question's personal Twitter account.

That's exactly what Baylor head coach Art Briles did, as he countered reports that he may be the next head man at Texas, and took to the social media platform to do it.

Contrary to reports and rumors I am a Baylor Bear - 2013 Big 12 Champs
— Coach Art Briles (@CoachArtBriles) January 3, 2014

A report from the Austin-American Statesman said Wednesday that Briles would be interested in the Texas job, and even went so far as to suggest he would accept it if it were offered to him.

Two sources, including one close to Briles, has told the Statesman that Briles would accept the Texas job if offered.

Briles is a sensible candidate for the Longhorns, who are looking for a replacement for long-time head coach Mack Brown. He has revived the Baylor program, with a 44-32 record in six years and a BCS bowl berth this season, as well as an extensive connection to the Texas high school scene.

Another rumored candidate has been Louisville head coach Charlie Strong, who has reportedly interviewed for the job, with UCLA's Jim Mora also denying interest Friday.

Update: Briles left no doubt in a statement released by the school.

I have no desire to pursue other coaching positions. As I've said many times, I am both humbled and honored to be the head coach at Baylor University, and believe we have something special going here. I look forward to leading the Bears onto the field next fall at McLane Stadium and defending our Big 12 championship that our players and coaches worked so hard to win this season.

There is tremendous excitement for our program's future, and I look forward to many more great seasons at Baylor. There is tremendous commitment from our University leadership, athletic administration, coaches and student-athletes - it truly is a great time to be a Baylor Bear.