'The Briles era is over,' Baylor regent confirms

A Baylor regent has confirmed the school's contract settlement with fired coach Art Briles.

"The Briles era is over," regent Clifton Robinson told Phillip Ericksen of the Waco Tribune.

Reports emerged Friday suggesting the ex-coach had settled with his former employer. The revelation came just a day after Briles claimed wrongful termination against the school, filed an emergency motion as part of a civil suit by a sexual assault victim, and threatened to sue Baylor.

Details of the settlement have yet to surface, but Briles had about $40 million remaining on his 10-year contract that ran through 2023. Robinson said the school's regents held a conference call Thursday night and while he was unable to attend, he was informed Friday of the settlement.

"I was thrilled when I heard that," Robinson said. "I think it's a very positive thing for Baylor University to put this behind us and move forward."

Although the alleged scandal and the controversial handling of Briles' departure has left Baylor with a black eye, Robinson's confident in the school's ability to succeed under new leadership - starting with coach Jim Grobe.

"I think Baylor University will recover from this much quicker than people think, because we have committed ourselves to a great athletic program, and we will continue to commit ourselves to a great athletic program," the regent said. "Because of that, we will be able to attract the very best coaching staff and athletic director. This, too, will pass."

Baylor has yet to publicly comment on the matter.