RG3 says he’s '100 percent' interested in Baylor job after Aranda firing

Robert Griffin III is ready to trade the broadcast booth for the sideline at his alma mater. The former Baylor quarterback told listeners on "The Dan Patrick Show" that he is "100 percent" interested in the head coaching job, according to the New York Post ^[1]. Griffin revealed he has already spoken with Baylor athletic director Doug McNamee about the opening.

The interest comes just days after the Bears fired head coach Dave Aranda. ESPN reported that Aranda was dismissed on Sunday after posting a 40-40 record over six and a half seasons ^[2]. Joe Klanderman has been named interim coach for the remainder of the season. Griffin, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, emphasized his desire to restore Baylor to its former glory.

"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, as cited by the New York Post ^[1]. He noted that the school needs people who understand what victory looks like in Waco.

Griffin’s playing career at Baylor was historic. He led the Bears to a 10-3 record during his Heisman season, throwing for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns while running for 699 yards and 10 more scores. That campaign marked the school’s first 10-win season since 1980. Since leaving for the NFL in 2012, Griffin has served as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.

However, Griffin has no prior coaching experience. The 36-year-old spent eight seasons in the NFL, including time with the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. His lack of coaching history is a notable hurdle, though his connection to the program remains a powerful selling point.

McNamee confirmed in an open letter that the search for a new head coach is underway. He stated that the university wants someone who will "launch a generation of consistent winning," according to ESPN ^[2]. The athletic director noted that the football calendar makes it likely a hire won’t be announced until December.

Baylor currently sits at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12. The team is 26-31 since its school-record 12-win season in 2021. The Bears recently lost 25-24 at Kansas after a blocked field goal in the final minute. They are set to face UCF this Friday.