Official: Baylor hires Jim Grobe as acting head coach
Baylor moved quickly to bring in a coach for the 2016 season
Four days after Art Briles was fired amid an investigation into the school’s handling of multiple sexual assault accusations, Baylor has hired Jim Grobe to run the show – for the time being – as "acting" head coach.
“Jim Grobe is the right leader at this time to move Baylor University and the football program forward,” Baylor Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said in a release. “He has successfully led two FBS programs during his career,” McCaw added. “Coach Grobe enjoys an impeccable reputation within the intercollegiate athletics community and is a man of great integrity and faith.”
Grobe last coached at Wake Forest. He resigned after the 2013 campaign – his 13th with the Demon Deacons. Grobe amassed a 77-82 record during his time at Wake Forest. He led Wake to five winning seasons, including an 11-3 record and Orange Bowl appearance in 2006. The Demon Deacons won the ACC title that year and Grobe was the league’s coach of the year. That season was followed up by 9-4 and 8-5 seasons, both of which ended in bowl wins.
Wake never had a winning record again under Grobe in his final five seasons.
Before he was hired at Wake Forest in 2001, Grobe compiled a 33-33-1 record in six seasons at Ohio. He also served as an assistant at Air Force and Marshall.
“It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to join the Baylor football program during this important time,” Grobe said. “I am looking forward to getting to know and working with the coaches and players in the coming days, and I have great respect for Baylor as an institution and its long-standing heritage.
“As a coach, winning is important. At the same time, I want to assure the Baylor family that every decision we will make in this football program will be made with Baylor University, her students and our student-athletes in mind.”
In the days following Briles’ removal, multiple reports indicated the school was leaning toward naming defensive coordinator Phil Bennett as interim coach. However, many felt – from an optics perspective – it would be a mistake to let a coach from Briles' staff lead the program this season.
Talked to a Power 5 coach last night who, like me, didn't understand how in-house promotion at Baylor was right move. Grobe adds up.
— Travis Haney (@TravHaneyESPN) May 30, 2016
Former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, a former All-American linebacker at Baylor, was also considered, ESPN reports. Ex-Texas head coach Mack Brown's name was also reportedly discussed for the interim role.
Thought Baylor might turn to a Mack Brown or Mike Singletary to try and stabilize program. Jim Grobe's a man of integrity & should help.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 30, 2016
According to 247Sports.com, which first reported the Grobe hiring, the rest of Baylor’s staff is “expected to stay intact for the 2016 season” with Kendal Briles, Art Briles’ son, leading the offense.
The university will "conduct a full search" for a full-time head coach after the season, USA Today reports.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
