Former Baylor Heisman winner Robert Griffin III reportedly set to interview for head coaching job

Interview report draws attention

On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Griffin is expected to interview for Baylor’s head coaching vacancy. The report says he has been preparing with a former college football head coach, despite having no prior coaching experience.

Baylor weighs its next coach

Baylor dismissed Dave Aranda in October, during his seventh season leading the team in Waco. His record included a 12-win 2021 season and a Sugar Bowl victory, as well as a nine-loss 2023 campaign.

The school fired Aranda after a one-point loss to Kansas, despite Baylor’s 4-3 record at the time. Interim coach Joe Klanderman has won both games since taking over, and the Bears are 6-3 and bowl eligible.

Griffin has voiced interest

Soon after Aranda’s firing, Griffin told Dan Patrick he would be interested in the position. He said he had spoken with athletic director Doug McNamee, whom he described as someone who understands what winning at Baylor looks like.

Griffin led Baylor to national prominence and won the Heisman Trophy in 2011. Injuries curtailed his NFL career with Washington, after which he moved into television; Fox Sports now has him as its second college football game analyst, following his 2024 departure from ESPN.

A celebrated alum in contention

Griffin remains popular at Baylor, where a statue of him stands outside the stadium. The report raises the possibility that an interview could be a courtesy to a prominent alum, rather than evidence he is a serious contender. The story points to NC State’s hiring of former program star Philip Rivers, who had coached in high school, as a reason not to dismiss Griffin’s chances outright.