Not too long ago this would have been a move from one Southwest Conference school to another. From AP-
FORT WORTH, Texas - Houston coach Art Briles is next to take on the task of pulling Baylor out of the Big 12 basement.Unless Briles' status as UH coach was shaky for some unknown reason, this is certainly a down market move. Baylor has been hapless since Grant Teaff retired as head coach. I'm betting the 100% increase in salary was the motivating factor for Briles. Athletes, Coaches, plaintiffs in lawsuits are all alike. They never say it's never about the money.Briles confirmed he was leaving in a news conference Wednesday at Houston after meeting with his players.
Baylor spokesman Nick Joos said a news conference was scheduled later in the day on the Waco campus to announce the school's new football coach.
Briles led Houston to four bowls in his five seasons. He was offered the job Wednesday, a day after meeting with Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw in Dallas.
"Life is full of decisions. Sometimes, you have to look at things from a professional, personal standpoint," Briles said. "Professionally, (Houston) ... is great university with a situation I'm proud to be a part of. Personally, the move allows a person of my nature a little more security. When you're getting up in my age, that's an important factor in life."
The Houston Chronicle reported on its Web site that Briles will get a seven-year contract for about $1.8 million per season. Briles, who turns 52 Monday, had four years left on his Houston contract with a base salary of $900,000 annually.
Briles replaces Guy Morriss, who was fired Nov. 18 after five seasons. Morriss' firing came the day after the Bears (3-9) completed their 12th straight losing season with their 12th consecutive Big 12 loss, 45-14 to Oklahoma State.
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Big 12, Conference USA
Tags: Art Briles, Baylor, University of Houston
Comments (2)
A down market move?<p... (Below threshold)1. Posted by ckk | November 28, 2007 6:48 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A down market move?
From a 32,000 seat stadium to a 50,000 seat stadium.
From average attendance over the last 4 years of 20-25,000 to 40,000.
From the MAC to the Big 12.
The only thing down market is Houston to Waco.
And Art Briles is from West Texas. Waco is more West Texas than Houston. It's closer to home.
If you'd do your homework, you might understand how the move is not just about money. Even though he admitted security (money) was a big part of it.
1. Posted by ckk | November 28, 2007 6:48 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on November 28, 2007 18:48
2. Posted by hb | November 29, 2007 12:02 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A down market move?
yes if money is not considered.
From a 32,000 seat stadium to a 50,000 seat stadium.
Memphis Tigers have a huge stadium but stadium size is not an indication of upgrade.
From average attendance over the last 4 years of 20-25,000 to 40,000.
You have me there...I guess if you are talking about the number of people that get to watch them lose in the Big 12 every week.
From the MAC to the Big 12.
MAC? cUSA--Better to be the top of a smaller conference than the bottom of a large. Really Baylor should not even be in that conference.
The only thing down market is Houston to Waco.
And Art Briles is from West Texas. Waco is more West Texas than Houston. It's closer to home.
First Waco is more central or East Texas. He was a UH alumni. Alma mater normally means alot to people but I guess it only goes so far when lots of cash get thrown at you.
If you'd do your homework, you might understand how the move is not just about money. Even though he admitted security (money) was a big part of it.
I bet he knew what conference UH was in and where Waco was located. It's good to not only do your homework but check it for errors also. I think the way Briles left was lousy. Not even coaching the boys in the Texas Bowl. Poor seniors. Oh well. That's society for you!
2. Posted by hb | November 29, 2007 12:02 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on November 29, 2007 00:02