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Big 12 Football: Head coach power rankings entering 2015

By Hayden Hyde

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Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Art Briles before the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

1. Art Briles – Baylor Bears

Career Record (89-62)

Art Briles is an offensive mastermind. He started his head-coaching career at Stephenville high school, where he led his team to four state titles. His success there vaulted him to a job with Mike Leach at Texas Tech. Under Leach, Briles was able to refine and improve his spread offense. After a four-year stint with the Red Raiders, Briles took the head-coaching job at the University of Houston. The Cougars were a dismal squad, but Briles led them to four bowl games under his five-year tenure.

After his success with Houston, the Baylor Bears hired Art Briles.

Over the last seven years, Briles has transformed Baylor into one of the hottest teams in the country. His high-octane offense puts up big numbers, which is appealing to recruits. Also, the Bears have been to a bowl game every year since 2010.

Recently, the Bears have only lost four games in the last two years. Had it not been for a loss against Oklahoma State, Baylor easily would’ve been in the playoffs.

In 2014 ESPN ranked Baylor’s offense 1st in scoring, which wouldn’t have been possible without Briles’ offensive prowess. By spreading his receivers out, even farther than most spread offenses, it creates opportunity and separation for the wide outs and the quarterback. Almost all of Briles’ play calls come with an option for a bubble screen or a run depending on what the defense shows pre-snap.

Briles’ Texas football success and innovative offense makes him the best coach in the Big 12.

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