News Summary
Mississippi State University head coach Jeff Lebby allowed former Baylor coach Art Briles to attend a football practice, igniting controversy due to Briles’ past involving sexual assault allegations. While Lebby defended the decision by highlighting familial ties to Briles, the athletic department clarified that Briles is not affiliated with the team. The Bulldogs are facing challenges ahead of the upcoming season, and the implications of Briles’ presence amidst his controversial history are causing scrutiny within the college football community.
Starkville, Mississippi – In a recent decision that has sparked controversy within the college football community, Jeff Lebby, the head coach of Mississippi State University, permitted former Baylor coach Art Briles to attend a football practice. The decision has drawn attention due to Briles’ troubled past, which includes his dismissal from Baylor in 2016 following an investigation into several sexual assault accusations associated with the football program.
Lebby, who is in his second year as head coach, defended the choice by stating that Briles is considered family, as he is the father-in-law of Lebby. In a news conference held on August 10, he expressed that there should be no restrictions concerning Briles’ presence at practices since they prioritize a family environment within the program. Briles was seen at Mississippi State’s practice on August 4, dressed in Bulldogs’ attire and engaging with coaches and staff members, including Lebby.
A spokesperson from the Mississippi State athletic department confirmed that Briles is not affiliated with the team and is not being hired as a coach. This clarification seems necessary due to the contentious background that surrounds Briles. Despite an NCAA investigation in 2021, which ultimately cleared him of NCAA violations, the investigation criticized his conduct during his time at Baylor.
Since his dismissal from Baylor, Briles has not held a position within college football for an extended period, aside from a brief four-day period in 2022 when he served as the offensive coordinator at Grambling State University. He resigned from that role, citing concerns that his presence might distract the team.
Lebby’s connection to Briles goes deeper than family ties; he was part of the coaching staff at Baylor under Briles from 2008 to 2016 in various capacities. This relationship raises questions regarding the implications of allowing Briles to be around the Mississippi State football program.
While the athletic department emphasizes a welcoming environment for family members at practices, it faces scrutiny regarding how this includes someone like Briles, considering the serious allegations that led to his firing from Baylor. The Mississippi State spokesperson reiterated that any family members are welcome at practices, provided team boundaries are respected.
Amidst this backdrop, Mississippi State faces its own challenges heading into the 2024 football season. The previous season proved to be difficult, with the Bulldogs finishing with a record of 2-10. College football analyst David Pollack has commented on the urgent need for improvement in the Bulldogs’ offensive performance. Last season, the team’s passing game ranked 50th nationally, while their rushing offense placed 87th. As a result, the total offense ranked 78th overall, and the scoring offense was positioned at 85th.
Pollack’s analysis indicates that there is a significant desire for a more dynamic and effective offensive strategy in the approaching season. Meanwhile, it has been noted that Athletic Director Zac Selmon continues to support Lebby, suggesting that he is not in immediate danger of losing his position despite the previous year’s difficulties.
The hiring or association of individuals with controversial histories can often lead to a complex dialogue about accountability and family loyalty within sports teams. As Mississippi State prepares for the upcoming football season, the focus will likely remain on both improving team performance on the field and navigating the off-field dynamics concerning Briles’ involvement in the program.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Art Briles & Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State Practice
- 247 Sports: Projected 2025 Depth Chart – Mississippi State
- On3: David Pollack Challenges Mississippi State Offense
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College 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.
