Following the tragic firing of Art Briles, the Baylor Bears football team has found their next head coach, at least in the interim. The school announced the hiring of former Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe, which was followed by the resignation of athletic director Ian McCaw.
The now former AD explained his leaving by stating "after much reflection and prayer, I have decided that a change in athletics department leadership is in Baylor University's best interest in order to promote the unity, healing and restoration that must occur in order to move forward." McCaw has been with the school since 2003, but was sanctioned and placed on probation following the sexual assault scandal against the university.
The 64-year-old Grobe replaces Briles, and McCaw fully supported the move, saying "Jim Grobe is the right leader at this time to move Baylor University and the football program forward," proving that the hiring wasn't his reason for leaving.
The Bears reportedly also considered former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, and current defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Grobe last coached a college team in 2013, before resigning from Wake Forest.
The veteran coach also spent time with Ohio State from 1995-2000, before moving on to Wake Forest from 2001-2013. He recorded a record of 77-82 in 13 seasons, playing in five bowl games there. His best season with the Demon Deacons was in 2006, where he lead the team to an ACC title with a record of 11-3. He left the school after going 4-8 in the 2013 campaign.
Grobe is thrown into a tough situation at Baylor amidst the sexual assault allegations, which has the attention of the entire country. He will look to keep his players focused enough on the game to help them remain near the top of the rankings.
The now former AD explained his leaving by stating "after much reflection and prayer, I have decided that a change in athletics department leadership is in Baylor University's best interest in order to promote the unity, healing and restoration that must occur in order to move forward." McCaw has been with the school since 2003, but was sanctioned and placed on probation following the sexual assault scandal against the university.
The 64-year-old Grobe replaces Briles, and McCaw fully supported the move, saying "Jim Grobe is the right leader at this time to move Baylor University and the football program forward," proving that the hiring wasn't his reason for leaving.
The Bears reportedly also considered former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, and current defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Grobe last coached a college team in 2013, before resigning from Wake Forest.
The veteran coach also spent time with Ohio State from 1995-2000, before moving on to Wake Forest from 2001-2013. He recorded a record of 77-82 in 13 seasons, playing in five bowl games there. His best season with the Demon Deacons was in 2006, where he lead the team to an ACC title with a record of 11-3. He left the school after going 4-8 in the 2013 campaign.
Grobe is thrown into a tough situation at Baylor amidst the sexual assault allegations, which has the attention of the entire country. He will look to keep his players focused enough on the game to help them remain near the top of the rankings.
