Robert Griffin III makes case to be next Baylor HC ahead of expected interview

Griffin III, who won the Heisman in 2011 and is currently a Fox Sports college football analyst, told Front Office Sports reporter Bridget Condon that he's the right person for the job.

Robert Griffin III says he checks all the boxes that Baylor wants in its next head coach

"(Baylor) wants somebody who has Texas roots. Check," Griffin III told Condon. "Someone who can recruit those Texas roots. Check. Somebody who can further that Christian mission at Baylor. Check."

Griffin III was born in Japan, but raised in Copperas Cove, Texas, where he graduated from high school before signing with Baylor. RG3 was recruited by Texas to play safety, per On SI's Josh Crawford.

Griffin has zero coaching experience, but he believes that it doesn't matter in this day and age of college sports, and a head coach is more "about being a CEO and being able to manage not only the pressure, but also building a culture of winning."

Griffin III (RG3) played in the NFL from 2012 to 2020 after being selected second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by Washington.

In his rookie season, he was named the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, earned a Pro Bowl selection, and led Washington to an NFC East title.

The Bears are looking to replace Dave Aranda, who was fired on Oct. 25, 2026, after seven seasons and a 40-40 overall record (26-32 in Big 12 play).

Aranda's best season was in 2021 when he led Baylor to a 12-2 record and a 21-7 Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss. The Bears were No. 5 in the final AP poll that season, the last time they finished in the top 25.

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman was named interim head coach immediately after Aranda's firing and is 2-0 for the 6-3 Bears, who are seeking just their second winning season in the last five years.