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Baylor officially names Jim Grobe interim head coach

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Less than a week after dismissing Art Briles, Baylor confirmed Monday the hiring of former Wake Forest boss Jim Grobe as interim head coach.

The school was widely expected to name defensive coordinator Phil Bennett head coach, but appears to have distanced itself from the Briles coaching tree in hiring Grobe.

"Jim Grobe is the right leader at this time to move Baylor University and the football program forward," said director of athletics Ian McCaw. "He has successfully led two FBS programs during his career," McCaw added. "Coach Grobe enjoys an impeccable reputation within the intercollegiate athletics community and is a man of great integrity and faith."

The 64-year-old has 19 years of experience as a college head coach with Ohio and Wake Forest, going 110-115-1. He last coached the Demon Deacons in 2013, losing his position after a 4-8 campaign.

"It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to join the Baylor football program during this important time," said Grobe.

"As a coach, winning is important. At the same time, I want to assure the Baylor family that every decision we will make in this football program will be made with Baylor University, her students and our student-athletes in mind."

With Grobe's hiring, the majority of the coaching staff is expected to remain in place for 2016 - including Briles' son Kendal, who serves as offensive coordinator.

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