Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles is expected to accept an offer Thursday to become TCU’s offensive coordinator, sources familiar with the situation tell 247Sports.
Briles has been weighing an offer to join TCU since Saturday, the sources said. The expected departure from Arkansas comes just two weeks after he entertained overtures from Mississippi State, which ultimately hired Appalachian State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay. Briles tweeted Jan. 6 his intention to remain at Arkansas, adding that he was "looking forward to 2023" with quarterback KJ Jefferson. Barring a last-second change of heart or reversal at TCU, Briles will instead coordinate the Horned Frogs' offense in the Big 12 next season.
Briles' Air Raid system, along with his lifelong connections in the state of Texas, drew the attention of TCU head coach Sonny Dykes, who has long implemented similar systems dating back to his days as an assistant for Mike Leach at Texas Tech in the early 2000s. TCU went on a magical run through the College Football Playoff before finishing as national runner-up in a 65-7 loss to Georgia in the national championship last week.
The Horned Frogs lost coordinator Garrett Riley to Clemson on Friday. He signed a three-year deal.
Briles was set to be paid $1.25 million at Arkansas in 2023, though that salary was expected to be raised after he was chased by Mississippi State. Briles would owe Arkansas $250,000 should he leave for TCU, according to his contract.