Baylor is expected to interview Robert Griffin III for its head coaching position, according to reporting by Pete Nakos of On3.
The development comes less than three weeks after the university fired Dave Aranda, who finished his tenure with a 40-40 record.
Griffin, a 36-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner, has never coached at any level and currently works as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.
He publicly expressed his interest in the role during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, where he stated his desire to return to his alma mater.
“Yes. 100%. 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.
He further noted that he has discussed the program with athletic director Doug McNamee, claiming the administrator understands the specific requirements for success at the school.
Nakos reported that Griffin has been preparing for the upcoming interview process by working with a former college head coach.
This preparation is viewed as an attempt to bridge the experience gap created by his lack of a traditional coaching background.
The search process mirrors recent actions taken by NC State, which interviewed former quarterback Russell Wilson before ultimately hiring Philip Rivers, who had served as a high school head coach.
While Griffin is a candidate, he has also publicly voiced support for other potential options, including Boise State’s Spencer Danielson and UTSA’s Jeff Traylor.
The Baylor program is currently under the leadership of interim coach Joe Klanderman, who has guided the team to two consecutive victories since Aranda’s departure.
The Bears currently hold a 6-3 record and are scheduled to face the BYU Cougars this Saturday.
Griffin’s candidacy remains tied to his legacy as a player who made the school a national story during his 2011 Heisman-winning season.
The university has not yet announced a timeline for making a final decision on the head coaching hire.