Robert Griffin III is expected to interview for Baylor’s head coaching job, adding another notable twist to the Bears’ search less than three weeks after the program moved on from Dave Aranda.
The former Baylor quarterback and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner had already made clear he wanted the job. Now, with an interview reportedly on deck, Griffin appears to be moving from long-shot public candidate to a serious part of the process at his alma mater.
Baylor announced Aranda’s firing on Oct. 25 and named defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman interim head coach for the rest of the 2026 season. In a follow-up message the next day, athletic director Doug McNamee said the search was underway and likely would stretch into December because of the football calendar.
From public interest to formal step
Griffin first inserted himself into the conversation on Oct. 26, saying he was “100 percent” interested in leading the Bears. He also said at the time that he had spoken with McNamee about the opening.
That declaration immediately drew attention because Griffin has no college or pro coaching experience. Still, he remains one of the most important figures in modern Baylor football history, and his candidacy has carried weight because of what he means to the program.
During his Baylor career, Griffin helped lead the Bears to a 10-win season and became the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner. His résumé since then has been built in the NFL and in broadcasting, not on a coaching staff, which is why an interview would stand out in a Power Four search.
Why the Baylor opening matters
McNamee said Baylor’s goal is to find a coach who can build “a generation of consistent winning,” while also fitting the university’s mission. He also pointed to the school’s recent track record, noting Baylor has won three Big 12 championships in roughly the last decade and a half and has reached major bowl games under multiple head coaches.
That backdrop helps explain why Griffin’s possible interview is drawing so much attention. Baylor is not starting from scratch as a program, and any candidate will be measured against both the school’s expectations and its recent peaks.
The Bears were 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play when Aranda was dismissed. Since then, Klanderman has guided the team through the transition while Baylor continues to play out the regular season.
Reaction on social media Friday reflected both curiosity and skepticism. Some fans embraced the idea of a program icon getting a chance to make his case, while others questioned whether Baylor would seriously consider a first-time coach for one of the conference’s most visible jobs.
For now, the key development is simple: Griffin’s interest may be turning into a real interview. Baylor still has games left under Klanderman, and McNamee has said the school does not expect to name its next coach until December. The Bears are scheduled to play at BYU on Saturday, Nov. 14, before closing the regular season later this month.
