OXNARD, Calif. _ Art Briles is hopeful to return to coaching in November or December.
The former Baylor football coach attended the Dallas Cowboys' training camp practice on Tuesday, watching from owner Jerry Jones' tower, and met with reporters for about six minutes afterward.
In his most extensive interview since being fired by Baylor after the school's sexual assault scandal, Briles said he misses the game, remains "dumbfounded" how everything spiraled out of control at Baylor and is hopeful to resume his coaching career soon.
"I hope November, December, that's what the plan is," Briles said of getting back in the business. "Unfortunately some jobs will come open. I've never rooted against anybody or any team, but that's the nature of the business. So we'll see what happens then.
"It's going to be a new journey and I'm excited to take it. I really am."
Briles does not believe the scandal that cost him his job will limit his job opportunities in the future.
Asked why he's confident it won't, Briles said: "Because I know who I am. I know what I've been for 60 years. People may doubt what you say, but they'll always believe what you do. I've lived my life in a righteous manner."
Briles didn't specify at what level he would like to return to the game, saying: "As long as I get a whistle around my neck, it doesn't matter what level."
Baylor suspended Briles with intent to terminate on May 26 after a lengthy investigation involving rape allegations involving football players. The Pepper Hamilton report cited instances of inappropriate responses to those actions by Baylor administrators and individuals within the football program.
Along with Briles, school President Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw resigned amid the scandal. Briles admitted he's still somewhat shocked at how everything has played out.
"I think so, yeah," Briles said. "I'm dumbfounded and trying to process everything as it goes. It is what it is, reality is reality, so what I've got to do is redefine myself and start a new chapter. That's what I'm doing."
Asked if he had been treated fairly by the school, Briles said: "Oh, you know, I haven't really even thought about that. Things happen and that happened and it's unfortunate for a lot of people, not myself, being at the last, a lot of other people involved. Victims first and foremost. Then when you break down, assistant coaches that are involved, support staff, players, recruits, it's unfortunate, but that's the path that was taken, so we'll all learn from it and be better for it. That's going to be my goal."
Asked what he learned, Briles said: "I learned that I am going to make sure I have policies in place that are going to protect everybody, students first and foremost, and then administrators, coaches. I've always been grateful for every chance I've been given to coach, so that's never been an issue. Coming out now and being on the field, it sure makes you appreciate it even more, 'cause it's hard."
Jones is among those who feel Briles will land back on his feet in the football world. Briles' daughter, Jancy, worked for a decade in the Cowboys' PR department, and Briles has always had an open invitation to visit the team.
Jones wasted little time in saying Briles deserved another chance, although he did not want that to be confused with the seriousness of the rape allegations and how everything was handled at Baylor.
"He has such a distinguished coaching career," Jones said. "I will vouch for him as a person. He's top quality as a person. I'd want my grandson, if he had a chance, to play for him."
Briles coached eight seasons at Baylor, compiling a 65-37 record with six bowl appearances. He fully supported the school hiring Jim Grobe and believes his former assistants will do a good job.
His son, Kendal, remains the offensive coordinator, and his son-in-law, Jeff Lebby, is the passing game coordinator.
"They'll coach their tail off," Briles said. "They'll do great. They're professionals. They'll coach hard and they'll play hard for Baylor and coach hard for Baylor. It's a good situation. I'm thankful for them and hopefully they'll have a great year."
