Houston will not interview Art Briles for its coaching vacancy

Houston says it will not interview Art Briles to fill its coaching vacancy.

Houston says it will not interview Art Briles to fill its coaching vacancy, contrary to reports, according to a school statement.

Houston vice president for athletics Hunter Yurachek said in the statement that it was Briles who expressed interest in returning to the school, where he coached from 2003 to 2007, that the school discussed it, and that he is not on their list of candidates to replace Tom Herman.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported Saturday that the former Baylor head coach was a candidate in the Houston coaching search. He later reported that the school’s board chair had interest in Briles, but was overruled by the school’s president and athletic director.

Baylor fired Briles earlier this year amid a widespread sexual assault scandal within the program and university. ESPN reported there was ‘serious interest’ in bringing him back despite his baggage.

A third-party investigation found that unnamed members of Baylor’s coaching staff were aware of at least one sexual assault instance, met with the victim and did not disclose the findings. The Wall Street Journalreported in October reported that 17 women reported assaults involving 19 different Baylor players, and that Briles knew of at least one alleged incident. His personal stance on the matter has shifted from apologetic to defensive.

Briles went 34-28 during his time with the Cougars and 65–37 at Baylor.

Also reportedly in the mix are Alabama offensive coordinator and former Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin and former LSU and Oklahoma State head coach Les Miles.

Kiffin and Miles will reportedly interview as the Cougars work to replace Herman, who will take over at Texas. Cougars interim coach and defensive coordinator Todd Orlando told reporters this week that he and offensive coordinator Major Applewhite will interview for the position.