Art Briles told Grambling University on Monday that he would no longer be the school's offensive coach, saying in a statement that he did not want to be a distraction to the team.
The decision by Briles comes after the hire by first-year coach Hue Jackson was met with a wave of backlash. The sexual assault investigation led to an independent investigation and the dismissal of Briles.
Briles thanked Grambling for the opportunity to be part of the staff in his statement and said that his continued presence would be a distraction to the team. I have great respect for the university and your players.
Former Grambling star and coach Doug Williams was one of the people who criticized Briles. He told John Keim that he couldn't support it and that the late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson was turning over in his grave.
The hiring drew even more ire on Monday when a statement was released by the Hue Jackson Foundation. We will continue to support Coach Briles and all victims of assault, violence, social and racial injustice and we will provide equal opportunity for healing for everyone, according to the statement attributed to Jackson.
The Hamilton Tigercats tried to hire Briles in August of last year. The team pulled their offer to Briles because of the backlash.
Briles has coached two seasons at a Texas high school and one in Italy since he left Baylor.
The report was contributed to by Mark Schlabach.
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