With rumors swirling over the past few days linking Baylor coach Art Briles to the opening at Texas, Baylor fans had to be worried that he might bolt to Austin.
It looks like those worries can be squelched now after veteran Houston Chronicle reporter John McClain tweeted that Briles will stay at Baylor. Briles, less than 10 minutes later, confirmed that in a tweet of his own.
Art Briles will stay at Baylor: You can take it to the bank
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 3, 2014
Contrary to reports and rumors I am a Baylor Bear - 2013 Big 12 Champs — Coach Art Briles (@CoachArtBriles) January 3, 2014
Soon after, Briles released a statement through Baylor's official athletics website saying that he has "no desire to pursue other coaching positions."
"As I've said many times, I am both humbled and honored to be the head coach at Baylor University, and believe we have something special going here. I look forward to leading the Bears onto the field next fall at McLane Stadium and defending our Big 12 championship that our players and coaches worked so hard to win this season," Briles said.
"There is tremendous excitement for our program's future, and I look forward to many more great seasons at Baylor," he added. "There is tremendous commitment from our University leadership, athletic administration, coaches and student-athletes - it truly is a great time to be a Baylor Bear."
Briles, who signed a 10-year extension in November, is 76-44 in his six seasons at Baylor. The Bears are coming off an 11-2 season and a Big 12 championship, but the team's season finished with a loss to UCF in the Fiesta Bowl.
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