Art Briles getting support from Red McCombs for Incarnate Word opening
Art Briles is still trying to get back into coaching, and now he has a billionaire booster by his side in Red McCombs.
University of the Incarnate Word is looking for a new head coach, and according to the San Antonio Express-News, the former Baylor coach could be a candidate for the opening.
UIW athletic director Brian Wickstrom told the Express-News he would not comment on “any aspect” of the search until after a hire has been made.
But, McCombs reportedly told the UIW board of trustees, “You not only will be getting the best football coach available but also the best man.” Reports say Incarnate Word has no interest in Briles’ services.
Briles has been out of work since May 2016 after an investigative report showed the Baylor football program didn’t properly handle sexual assault allegations while Briles led the program.
But McCombs, who is one of the biggest boosters for the Texas Longhorns, also ripped Baylor’s handling of the situation, saying, “The man that I know wouldn’t even come close to being the kind of guy those people [painted him out to be]. I don’t think [Baylor] handled the job right, but that’s their business, not mine.”
Briles on-field success at Baylor was never debated. He led Baylor to a 65-37 record during an eight-season tenure, including a Big 12 title in 2013 and a shared title with TCU in 2014. Prior to that, Briles led Houston to a Conference USA championship in 2006.
Briles turned 62 earlier this month. Meantime, Incarnate Word has been on the hunt for a new coach since firing Larry Kennan after the team went 1-10 this season.
