Kendal Briles to South Carolina? TCU Offensive Coordinator Emerges as Gamecocks' Top Target

TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has rocketed back onto the coaching carousel after ESPN analyst and former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III publicly endorsed him for the open head-coaching job at North Texas during ABC’s broadcast of TCU–Cincinnati on Saturday. Briles, 43, is finishing his third season directing Sonny Dykes’ offense in Fort Worth, where the Horned Frogs have averaged 34.1 points per game since his arrival. Griffin argued that UNT’s administration “expects someone to come in and score points just like Eric Morris did,” adding that Briles’ track record of fast-tempo, high-scoring attacks makes him “the right guy to make that happen.” Why North Texas is interested • Proven recruiter in the state: Briles has roots stretching from Stephenville High to Baylor, Florida Atlantic, Houston, Florida State, Arkansas and now TCU, giving him relationships in talent-rich Texas. • Quarterback development: From Heisman campaigns with Griffin at Baylor to turning Josh Hoover into a Big 12 breakthrough performer this fall, Briles has thrived with multiple QB styles. • Scheme fit: UNT athletic director Jared Mosley has said the Mean Green will stay committed to the Air Raid DNA Morris installed. Briles’ wide-split formations and vertical RPO concepts are a seamless evolution of that philosophy. Timing the jump North Texas moved quickly after Morris accepted the offensive-coordinator post at Oklahoma State, aiming to name a replacement before the December signing-day window. Briles is still preparing TCU for its bowl appearance, but industry sources indicate the Frogs would not block an interview request. Other suitors to watch South Carolina, searching for an offensive coordinator after parting with Dowell Loggains, has also gauged Briles’ interest, per multiple SEC-network reports. If the Gamecocks press forward, Briles must weigh a Power Five coordinator salary north of $2 million against his first chance to run an entire program. What’s next Expect UNT officials to meet with Briles early this week. If talks progress, he could be introduced in Denton before Christmas, giving him two vital weeks to salvage the 2026 recruiting class and build a staff. Should negotiations stall, look for South Carolina or a late-opening Group of Five job (Louisiana Tech, ULM) to become the next focal point. Bottom line Kendal Briles’ offensive ingenuity, Texas ties and growing reputation have put him at the epicenter of this winter’s coaching rumors. Whether he lands in Denton, Columbia or stays in Fort Worth, his next decision will ripple across multiple conferences—and every step will be watched by programs desperate to light up scoreboards in 2026.