Waco, Texas β In a move that has electrified fans and alumni alike, former Baylor Bears quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has officially returned to his alma mater β not as a player this time, but as a Senior Coaching Advisor to the Baylor football program.
The announcement came early Monday morning in a joint press release from Baylor Athletics and Head Coach Dave Aranda. It marks the return of one of the most beloved figures in Baylor sports history to McLane Stadium, where he first rose to national prominence more than a decade ago.
βItβs an incredible full-circle moment,β Griffin said at the press conference. βBaylor shaped me as an athlete and as a man. Now I have the chance to help shape the next generation of Bears, and I couldn’t be more excited.β
A Hero Returns
Robert Griffin III, known affectionately to fans as “RG3,” led the Baylor Bears to national attention during his college career, culminating in winning the Heisman Trophy in 2011 β the first in Baylor’s history. His thrilling dual-threat style and leadership helped transform Baylor from a Big 12 underdog into a national contender. After college, Griffin went on to play in the NFL for teams including the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens, and most recently made a name for himself as a popular analyst with ESPN.
Now, in 2025, he returns to the program that launched his football career β but this time from the sidelines, bringing his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for the game.
βRobertβs knowledge of the game, his leadership, and his love for Baylor make him an ideal addition to our staff,β said Coach Dave Aranda. βHe brings not only football intelligence but also the kind of character and energy that our players will feed off.β
Impact Beyond the Field
Griffin’s role as Senior Coaching Advisor will encompass a wide range of responsibilities. According to Baylor officials, he will work directly with quarterbacks, assist with offensive strategy, and mentor student-athletes both on and off the field. He will also serve as a key figure in recruiting efforts, where his name and reputation are expected to make a significant impact.
His return has sparked widespread excitement among students, alumni, and fans. Social media was flooded with reactions within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like #RG3Returns and #BaylorLegend trending regionally. Baylor students gathered outside McLane Stadium on Monday afternoon, cheering and holding homemade signs welcoming Griffin back to Waco.
βThis is the biggest news since we opened McLane Stadium,β said Baylor junior and lifelong Bears fan Jason Mendoza. βRG3 IS Baylor football to a lot of us. Having him back here is like a dream.β
Reconnecting with the Baylor Legacy
Since retiring from professional play, Griffin has frequently expressed his enduring connection to Baylor and Waco. He has remained active in the community and made several appearances at university events, but this is his most direct involvement with the program since graduating.
His return also comes at a pivotal time for the Bears. After a mixed 2024 season, Coach Aranda has spoken openly about the need for renewed leadership and energy within the locker room. Griffinβs return may be just the spark the team needs heading into the 2025 campaign.