FWST: TCU quarterback Josh Hoover opens up about Kendal Briles and Alamo Bowl

[TopFrog]

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover opens up about Kendal Briles and Alamo Bowl​

By Steven Johnson

The first practice of bowl season for TCU football was a different experience for quarterback Josh Hoover.

For the first time since his true freshman season in 2022, Hoover wasn’t getting coached up by Kendal Briles. Briles left Fort Worth to take the offensive coordinator job at South Carolina, a move that was formally announced by the Gamecocks on Thursday.

“It was different, it’s gonna be,” Hoover said. “We were used to his energy and who he is as a person, just having that consistency. When you don’t have that, it’s going to take a little time to get through that. We’ve got a great coaching staff here. Coach [Sonny] Dykes has done a good job.

“[Assistant tight ends coach] Jacob Oehrlein is coaching us right now. He’s doing an awesome job. I’ve been knowing him since my freshman year. He was here with [former offensive coordinator] Garrett Riley. We’ve got the right people in place to make it work.”

Paywall link: https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article313621482.html

Full article link: https://www.newsbreak.com/fort-wort...r-opens-up-about-kendal-briles-and-alamo-bowl

 

[TopFrog]

“It doesn’t matter what happens, nothing will change about how I feel about Coach Briles,” Hoover said. “It won’t change how I feel about him as a person. I’m not even talking about football. He’s a tremendous coach and an even better person that has a lot to do with who I am today. He’s been with me since I was 18, 19 years old, so I got to grow and mature and learn from him. I’m so thankful I had a chance to play for him.”

 

[Wexahu]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

 

[Purple Hearted]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

I wasn't one of those calling for his dismissal. I had no major problems with the offense overall. I liked his creativity and believe that he was pretty adept at finding work arounds for our defeciencies (or at least trying to work around them). That being said, the biggest issues I had with him was the lack of offensive line development. I don't know how much of that burden he shoulders, but that unit was by far the weakest on the offense during his tenure here. Obviously, the last three seasons would've played out differently with a decent OL.
Yes, we got tired of quick screens and lateral movement (I'm guilty of complaining about it), but I think much of that was due to the poor offensive line play. I expect that he'll have some success at USC if Sellers comes back. I think his offense will be much more proficient with a QB run threat, as Arkansas was when they had Jefferson.

I was very much against the hire when it happened, but was more upset with SD for hiring him when he knew what the reaction of the fan base would be than I was at Kendal Briles working at TCU. If that makes sense.

Like most, I made assumptions about what kind of coach and person he was. Those assumptions were based on what had happened at Baylor. I don't know if they were wrong or correct, but what I do know is that he was a class act while he was here. I attended a few Spring practices and it was clear that the players both respected and liked him. He's also well regarded among Texas high school coaches and is both approachable and generous with his time and knowledge. However much Baylor stink he has or had on him, he's going about things the right way now, but everyone is entitled to their opinions (knowing full well that this one won't be popular)

 

[JAB331]

Is there any chance hiring Briles was just the opening chess move in South Carolina’s bid to poach Hoover?

 

[Trelvis]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

1. It's a public message board. Who cares. You say a lot of dumb [ Finebaum ].

2. He had to go. Dykes already replaced the DC so it's either Dykes or Briles.

3. I really don't give a [ Finebaum ] about how good of a husband he is.

4. Hoover can leave too. He's a turnover machine with a poor ROI.

 

[NovaScotiaFrog]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

1). Yes, people are not quick to "get over" someone covering up sexual assault and then continually denying what happened. What prudes.

2). We know what happened. You continue to choose to ignore it, but most people haven't.

3). I don't think "by all accounts" he's a good anything, because I don't think people who do what he did are good people. See the previous point 1.

4). Sorry that people hating on a guy who did what Briles did embarrassed you, but it probably says more about you than it does about them.

 

[Diehard]

1). Yes, people are not quick to "get over" someone covering up sexual assault and then continually denying what happened. What prudes.

2). We know what happened. You continue to choose to ignore it, but most people haven't.

3). I don't think "by all accounts" he's a good anything, because I don't think people who do what he did are good people. See the previous point 1.

4). Sorry that people hating on a guy who did what Briles did embarrassed you, but it probably says more about you than it does about them.

OUCH!

 

[hometown frog]

1). Yes, people are not quick to "get over" someone covering up sexual assault and then continually denying what happened. What prudes.

2). We know what happened. You continue to choose to ignore it, but most people haven't.

3). I don't think "by all accounts" he's a good anything, because I don't think people who do what he did are good people. See the previous point 1.

4). Sorry that people hating on a guy who did what Briles did embarrassed you, but it probably says more about you than it does about them.

All of this. Players also stood up and publicly backed Jerry Sandusky too. So players backing their coach is not a direct correlation to how decent of a human being they may or may not be.

kendall was almost front and center to most of the moral problems that plagued the Baylor football program and was the son of the head coach in charge of it all. He simply cannot walk away from that moment clean. Now do we think he matured and grew from that experience and is now a better steward of the programs moral compass? Maybe and from all accounts sounds like he was great while at TCU.

but he stood by while his Baylor program allowed very bad things to happen. That will never ever go away for me

 

[82 Frog Fever]

Is there any chance hiring Briles was just the opening chess move in South Carolina’s bid to poach Hoover?

No -0-
It would be more likely that Gordon Sammis will bring Joe Fagnano to TCU, which is none.

 

[SW toad]

Is there any chance hiring Briles was just the opening chess move in South Carolina’s bid to poach Hoover?

Have you watched any LaNorris Sellers playing QB in '24?? In '25 SCs OC Mike Shula peed in the Gumbo low country style. In August of this year, I was ready for the Cowboys to trade Prescott to just get Sellers next April. Shula had a job this past season and that was to get Sellers & the best athlete to enter CFB in the last 30 years, Nyckoles Harbor, to complete 8-12 passes a game.

Sellers fits what Briles was familiar with in Arkansas and his work with KJ Jefferson.

If Hoover were to go to SC, I'd take Sellers over Sam Leavitt or any other QBs in the tampering portal today.

And if there are any fanboy fantasies about Sammis bringing Uconn QB to TCU, the guy will finish his 7th year of eligibility at the Fenway bowl.

 

[Mean Purple]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

“You like white girls?”

 

[gohornedfrogs]

Man, thank God that guy is gone!

Seriously, the people who can't seem to get over whatever that situation was (I still don't think anyone really knows the whole truth, and especially KB's role in it) needs to get over it. The guy by all accounts is a good father, husband and all that, and had zero issues here. One fan felt the need to call him a "worthless piece of [ Finebaum ]" on a public message board. How embarrassing.

When he was hired, my initial reaction was that this was a huge unforced error. Sonny didn't read the room. He was riding high from a CFP final appearance, so from all outwardly appearances, it seems he thought he could foist Kendall on us with little backlash given his success the first year. It was a bold, tone-deaf move that struck a negative chord with some of our fanbase.

From all indications, Kendall handled himself with grace, poise and dignity. Dykes didn't understand the bitter hatred we harbored for what went on during Briles' tenure in Waco, though. Was it justified? I don't know, but don't ever underestimate the kind of contempt that bitter rivalries can create, and Sonny did just that.

This relationship was never going to end well, and Sonny should have known better.

Kendall may very well be his own man constantly trying to get out from under the ghastly shadow his father cast. TCU was just not the right place for him to do that. I hope he has tremendous success going forward. I think we all owe him that for the way he handled himself here, coaching results aside. He had to have felt the stares, and heard the comments along the way. That's no way to live. He's probably grateful to be out of here, and it's likely a win/win for everybody.

FWIW, I never joined in the chorus calling for his head and grew tired of the constant tarring/feathering by a few posters on here. When he was hired, I thought it was best to give him a chance, and we got to see what he could produce. I'd rate his time here a B or B-. He had some good moments directing this offense (especially using Savion the way he did the last half of '24), and some downright questionable ones.

 

[Tshirt Fan]

When he was hired, my initial reaction was that this was a huge unforced error. Sonny didn't read the room. He was riding high from a CFP final appearance, so from all outwardly appearances, it seems he thought he could foist Kendall on us with little backlash given his success the first year. It was a bold, tone-deaf move that struck a negative chord with some of our fanbase....

This. Exactly this.

I railed against the potential tapefingers hire, went radio silent after it was fait accompli, and now have the opportunity to rejoice. I am taking that opportunity.

 

[Showtime Joe 2.0]

When he was hired, my initial reaction was that this was a huge unforced error. Sonny didn't read the room. He was riding high from a CFP final appearance, so from all outwardly appearances, it seems he thought he could foist Kendall on us with little backlash given his success the first year. It was a bold, tone-deaf move that struck a negative chord with some of our fanbase.

From all indications, Kendall handled himself with grace, poise and dignity. Dykes didn't understand the bitter hatred we harbored for what went on during Briles' tenure in Waco, though. Was it justified? I don't know, but don't ever underestimate the kind of contempt that bitter rivalries can create, and Sonny did just that.

This relationship was never going to end well, and Sonny should have known better.

Kendall may very well be his own man constantly trying to get out from under the ghastly shadow his father cast. TCU was just not the right place for him to do that. I hope he has tremendous success going forward. I think we all owe him that for the way he handled himself here, coaching results aside. He had to have felt the stares, and heard the comments along the way. That's no way to live. He's probably grateful to be out of here, and it's likely a win/win for everybody.

FWIW, I never joined in the chorus calling for his head and grew tired of the constant tarring/feathering by a few posters on here. When he was hired, I thought it was best to give him a chance, and we got to see what he could produce. I'd rate his time here a B or B-. He had some good moments directing this offense (especially using Savion the way he did the last half of '24), and some downright questionable ones.

This is a very thoughtful, balanced, and incisive post.

However, this forum isn't known for that so I may have to put you on ignore.

 

[Wexahu]

When he was hired, my initial reaction was that this was a huge unforced error. Sonny didn't read the room. He was riding high from a CFP final appearance, so from all outwardly appearances, it seems he thought he could foist Kendall on us with little backlash given his success the first year. It was a bold, tone-deaf move that struck a negative chord with some of our fanbase.

From all indications, Kendall handled himself with grace, poise and dignity. Dykes didn't understand the bitter hatred we harbored for what went on during Briles' tenure in Waco, though. Was it justified? I don't know, but don't ever underestimate the kind of contempt that bitter rivalries can create, and Sonny did just that.

This relationship was never going to end well, and Sonny should have known better.

Kendall may very well be his own man constantly trying to get out from under the ghastly shadow his father cast. TCU was just not the right place for him to do that. I hope he has tremendous success going forward. I think we all owe him that for the way he handled himself here, coaching results aside. He had to have felt the stares, and heard the comments along the way. That's no way to live. He's probably grateful to be out of here, and it's likely a win/win for everybody.

FWIW, I never joined in the chorus calling for his head and grew tired of the constant tarring/feathering by a few posters on here. When he was hired, I thought it was best to give him a chance, and we got to see what he could produce. I'd rate his time here a B or B-. He had some good moments directing this offense (especially using Savion the way he did the last half of '24), and some downright questionable ones.

That's fair I suppose.

I just think it got to be a feeding frenzy and there were some conclusions and assumptions made with not a whole lot of facts that I could tell. You'd think from reading stuff that KB personally witnessed gang rapes and just looked the other way, which isn't anywhere close to the truth. I think some decent people got thrown under the bus so to speak due to a master class on a university not handling the situation properly. Kendal was a 30-year old position coach, and for those that say well, he was the coach's son, that he didn't go scorched earth against his dad is pretty understandable, I think we'd all probably do much the same thing in a similar situation. TCU fans seem to be the ones least forgiving and I don't think it's because we're any morally superior to anyone else, I think it's basically because we had been beating them pretty good and that kind of flipped for a few years, and we didn't like it.

 

[TopFrog]

That's fair I suppose.

I just think it got to be a feeding frenzy and there were some conclusions and assumptions made with not a whole lot of facts that I could tell. You'd think from reading stuff that KB personally witnessed gang rapes and just looked the other way, which isn't anywhere close to the truth. I think some decent people got thrown under the bus so to speak due to a master class on a university not handling the situation properly. Kendal was a 30-year old position coach, and for those that say well, he was the coach's son, that he didn't go scorched earth against his dad is pretty understandable, I think we'd all probably do much the same thing in a similar situation. TCU fans seem to be the ones least forgiving and I don't think it's because we're any morally superior to anyone else, I think it's basically because we had been beating them pretty good and that kind of flipped for a few years, and we didn't like it.

Baylor. Scandal. The "white women" quote. All pretty damning around TCU.

Kaz was controversial when he came on board. Being known for his time at Baylor. "Good job Big 12." Haha

I think Briles is a good OC. Dykes should have read the room. In the end it wasn't fair to Briles and created too many rifts and waves among boosters and fans. It wasn't a good fit.

 

[NovaScotiaFrog]

I think it's basically because we had been beating them pretty good and that kind of flipped for a few years, and we didn't like it.

"And I totally disagreed with that. I thought it was the raping" - Norm MacDonald.

 

[Wexahu]

"And I totally disagreed with that. I thought it was the raping" - Norm MacDonald.

Cute. But dumb post because it's not relevant. As I was saying....

 

[HG73]

So glad he's gone just so some on here can move on to the next disaster.