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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Robert Griffin III could get an opportunity to explain how he would rebuild the program he once helped transform.
Baylor is expected to interview its former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for its head coaching vacancy, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The development would move Griffin’s publicly expressed interest toward a formal conversation about succeeding Dave Aranda.
An expected interview does not mean Baylor has selected Griffin or identified him as its leading candidate. But his interest in returning to Waco in a different role has been clear for weeks.
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Griffin said on “The Dan Patrick Show” on Oct. 26 that he wanted the job and had spoken with athletic director Doug McNamee. He argued that Baylor needed leadership familiar with what it takes to win at the school.
He subsequently discussed those conversations with Front Office Sports while acknowledging that the university had a process to follow.
“If I was making all the decisions, the decision would have already been made, right?” Griffin told Front Office Sports Tonight.
The biggest question surrounding his candidacy is experience. Griffin has not coached at the collegiate or professional level. His case centers on leadership, his connection to Baylor and his belief that overseeing a modern college program requires more than calling plays.
He told Front Office Sports that managing people, handling pressure and establishing a winning culture were central to the job. Those responsibilities would make assembling an experienced staff an important consideration if Baylor pursued him.
His playing credentials at the school need little introduction.
Griffin won the 2011 Heisman Trophy while leading Baylor to a 10-3 season capped by an Alamo Bowl victory. He finished that season with 4,293 passing yards, 37 touchdown passes and six interceptions, adding 699 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
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Baylor’s current search follows Aranda’s dismissal on Oct. 25, a day after a 25-24 loss at Kansas. Aranda finished 40-40 after arriving in 2020. His tenure included a Big 12 championship and Sugar Bowl victory during a 12-2 season in 2021, but Baylor struggled to sustain that success. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman took over as interim coach.
Griffin has also supported Klanderman, saying this week that the interim coach should receive the permanent job if Baylor wins out.
That leaves Baylor weighing different paths forward. Griffin has already shown what he could accomplish wearing the Bears’ uniform. An interview would give him a chance to explain how he would produce results while running the program.
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