In December 2011, Robert Griffin III stood beneath the lights of New York City and accepted college football’s most prestigious individual honor. The quarterback from Copperas Cove, Texas, had become the first—and, to date, only—Heisman Trophy winner in Baylor history.
Griffin’s award-winning season helped make him a legend in Waco. He threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, added 699 rushing yards and 10 more scores, and led the Bears to a 10-3 record and a victory in the Alamo Bowl. It was a landmark season for a program that had struggled to reach that level of success.
Fifteen years later, Baylor is looking for a new head coach and a renewed sense of direction. The university fired Dave Aranda after a 25-24 loss to Kansas. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman was named interim head coach as the athletic department began its search for a permanent replacement.
Griffin quickly made clear that he was interested in the opening. Appearing on *The Dan Patrick Show* the day after Aranda’s dismissal, the former Baylor quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst said he was “100 percent” interested in the job. He also disclosed that he had already spoken with athletic director Doug McNamee.
“If Baylor wants to get back to winning and have a university that isn’t just respectable on the football field, but the fans can be proud of, they need people who know what it looks like to win at Baylor,” Griffin said. “So yeah, I would 100 percent be interested.”
Baylor is now expected to interview Griffin for the vacancy. The former Heisman winner has never coached at the college or professional level, but reports indicate he has been preparing for the interview with help from a former college head coach. McNamee has said the search could extend into December, reflecting the demands of the football calendar.
Griffin’s candidacy stands out. At 36, he has considerable name recognition in Waco, strong ties to Texas and firsthand experience of what success at Baylor can look like. Under head coach Art Briles, Griffin helped the Bears move from a long period of struggle toward regular competitiveness. His 2011 season remains a defining achievement for the program and its first 10-win campaign since 1980.
After college, Griffin was selected second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played seven seasons in the league with Washington, Cleveland and Baltimore before moving into broadcasting.
His lack of coaching experience is the central question surrounding his candidacy. Griffin has argued that a modern head coach must do more than call plays, describing the position as one that also demands leadership, culture-building and the ability to operate as a chief executive. He has cited his Texas background, potential to recruit in the state and connection to Baylor’s Christian mission as qualities that could suit the role.
Griffin has also discussed other possible candidates for the job, including Boise State’s Spencer Danielson and UTSA’s Jeff Traylor. He has mentioned Lincoln Riley as a potential dark-horse option.
Meanwhile, Klanderman has given Baylor’s interim leadership a positive start. Since taking over, the Bears have won consecutive games, including a dominant road victory at UCF and a win over Iowa State. Those results brought Baylor to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play. The interim coach’s success could strengthen his own case for the permanent position, or it could give the athletic department more time and flexibility as it considers other candidates.
Baylor’s recent record gives the decision added significance. The Bears reached a high point under Aranda in 2021, winning the Big 12 championship and the Sugar Bowl. However, the program did not sustain that level of success, and its struggles in the NIL era contributed to the change at head coach.
McNamee, who took over as athletic director in late 2025, has emphasized the importance of finding a leader who can produce consistent winning while keeping the program aligned with the university’s values.
For Griffin, the opportunity would be deeply personal. He has spoken about his frustration with Baylor being treated as a stepping stone or an afterthought in the Big 12. Becoming head coach would bring his journey full circle: from the quarterback who helped put the Bears on the national stage to a potential leader tasked with restoring their standing.
An interview does not guarantee an offer, and experienced coaches remain under consideration. The timing of the search also suggests Baylor may not make a decision until after the regular season ends.
Still, the expected interview puts Griffin directly into the conversation about one of the most important jobs in Baylor football. His playing legacy, Texas connections and public interest in the role give the athletic department a distinctive candidate to evaluate, even as his lack of coaching experience remains a major consideration.
