TCU is set to hire current Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, sources confirm to DCTF. Briles was the play caller for the Razorbacks since 2020. He was the offensive coordinator at FAU in 2017, Houston in 2018, Florida State in 2019, and then with Arkansas for the last three seasons. He spent 2008 to 2016 in various roles at Baylor under his controversial father, Art. 247Sports was first to report. Most believe the news will become official on Thursday at the latest. 

The younger Briles is taking over for Garrett Riley, who took the same role at Clemson after helping the Horned Frogs to a 13-2 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff championship against Georgia. TCU was ninth in the nation and first in the Big 12 in scoring offense, averaging 38.8 points per game. 

Arkansas ranked 35th nationally in scoring offense in 2022, averaging 32.5 points per game last season. The Razorbacks ranked 48th in scoring offense the year before and 86th back in 2020. They’ve averaged 29.7 points per game and have a record of 19-17 in three seasons with Briles calling plays, including a 7-6 mark in 2022. 

Briles becomes the third member of TCU’s coaching staff with ties back to the Baylor program that fired his father with cause amid a sexual assault scandal. Cornerback coach Carlton Buckels and strength and conditioning coach Kaz Kazadi were also on that staff. An independent investigation concluded that, “reflect significant concerns about the tone and culture within Baylor’s football program as it relates to accountability for all forms of athlete misconduct.” 

Baylor president Ken Starr and Athletic Director Ian McCaw also left Baylor amid the sandal. Kendall was the offensive coordinator at the time of the allegations. 

TCU must replace most of the main contributors from the 2022 squad, especially on offense. Quarterback Max Duggan and star wide receiver Quentin Johnston are headed to the next level, as are most of the offensive line starters. The Horned Frogs begin the 2023 season at home against Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes.