Baylor University Fires Head Football Coach Art Briles

In a move that caught some by surprise, Baylor University has fired head football coach Art Briles in the wake of the sexual assault and domestic violence scandal that has engulfed the school’s football program.

"Effective immediately, Head Football Coach Art Briles has been suspended indefinitely with intent to terminate, according to contractual procedures," a news release states.

The school said Ken Starr is out as president as well but will serve in another capacity. The release states other members of the administration and athletics programs have also been dismissed. They have not been identified publicly.

Briles, a native West Texan who resurrected the University of Houston's football program during his five seasons along the Cougars' sideline, was introduced as Baylor University's 25th head football coach in November 2007.

The release states the decisions were made to safeguard students and the campus.