News Summary
Art Briles, the former Baylor football coach, attended Mississippi State’s preseason practice, raising eyebrows due to his controversial background. Although Briles is not on the coaching staff, his presence was felt among staff members, including head coach Jeff Lebby. Despite an NCAA investigation clearing him of any violations, Briles’ history continues to cast a shadow over his involvement in college football. Meanwhile, Mississippi State is focusing on improving team dynamics and performance as they enter the new season.
Starkville, Mississippi – Art Briles, the former Baylor football coach, made headlines by attending Mississippi State’s preseason practice on August 4, 2025. His presence stirred controversy given his termination from Baylor in 2016, after he was implicated in a significant investigation surrounding multiple sexual assault allegations associated with the university’s football program. Although Briles was not part of the coaching staff, he was spotted engaging with various staff members, including his son-in-law, head coach Jeff Lebby.
Despite his notable attendance, a spokesperson for Mississippi State Athletics clarified that Briles is not employed by or affiliated with the team. The spokesperson remarked that it is typical for family members to attend practices, provided they respect the team’s focus and boundaries during these sessions.
An NCAA investigation, which concluded in August 2021, found no violations committed by Briles concerning NCAA rules but did criticize his actions during his tenure at Baylor. Since his dismissal from Baylor, Briles’ coaching career has been under scrutiny. He held a brief position as the offensive coordinator at Grambling State in 2022; however, he resigned after only four days, citing concerns that his presence would create a distraction.
Briles’ connection to Mississippi State extends beyond family ties. Jeff Lebby served as an assistant coach at Baylor from 2008 until 2016, during the height of the controversy surrounding the football program’s conduct.
While Briles made his appearance at the practice, it coincided with significant updates regarding Mississippi State’s players. Notably, wide receiver Brenen Thompson made a bold claim about winning a race against teammate Kelley Jones. Thompson, who transferred from Oklahoma, recorded 19 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns last season and previously achieved success by winning the Texas 3A 200-meter title. He was also recognized as the No. 91 player on The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s list of College Football Freaks for 2025.
Mississippi State’s preseason practice revealed a team in a state of positive change. Players reported that the implementation of the offense was progressing more smoothly compared to the previous year, attributed to improved continuity and the return of experienced players. Quarterback Blake Shapen indicated that relationships and communication with coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, were notably better.
The Bulldogs’ defense, too, is undergoing transformation as the team aims to enhance their pass rush and overall depth, particularly on the defensive line. Players, such as Trevion Williams, noted a competitive atmosphere that has been bolstered by the addition of new talent and experienced transfers.
Amid these developments, running back Davon Booth has secured a place on the watchlist for the Paul Hornung Award, which honors the most versatile player in college football. Additionally, preseason All-SEC selection Issac Smith spoke positively about the enhancements in the team’s secondary, benefitting from experienced transfers who have added depth to the roster.
The Bulldogs are now focused on building chemistry and a sense of brotherhood within the team, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration among players. Both returning and new teammates share a collective vision to set a new standard for the upcoming season, determined to move past the challenges faced in the previous year.
As Mississippi State continues its preseason preparations, the consequences of Briles’ attendance linger in the background, overshadowing the team’s efforts to enhance performance on the field.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Art Briles at Mississippi State Practice
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State WR on College Football Freaks List
- 247 Sports: Coach Jeff Lebby on Preseason Practices
- Commercial Dispatch: MSU Football Player Takeaways
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
