SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Multiple reports Tuesday night indicate the Missouri State Bears are about to hire a controversial head football coach - the public just isn't sure which one.
FootballScoop.com reported earlier Tuesday that the school will hire former Baylor head coach Art Briles Wednesday morning. Briles was fired by Baylor in 2015 for a "lack of institutional control" following a sexual assault scandal involving several members of the school's football program.
However, KY3 sports director Chad Plein took to Twitter minutes later saying Missouri State will hire Helena native Bobby Petrino.
Multiple people have told me Bobby Petrino will be the next head football coach at Missouri State.
— Chad Plein (@chadplein) January 15, 2020
Petrino is part of the most famous coaching family in Montana, the son of legendary Carroll College coach Bob Petrino, Sr. and brother of current Idaho head coach Paul Petrino. Bobby has had success in multiple college head coaching jobs, but has been publicly fired from several stops, including the University of Arkansas in 2012 after Petrino admitted he was having an extra-marital affair with a Razorbacks employee after the two were involved in a motorcycle accident.
Missouri State President Clif Smart also took to Twitter Tuesday night to confirm the school would announce its football hire Wednesday morning but did not provide a name:
Tomorrow we announce that one of the best football coaches in America will be leading @MOStateFootball program. If you love football, stay tuned. #GoBears 🐻🏈
— Clif Smart (@ClifSmart) January 15, 2020
Making matters more interesting for Treasure State fans - the Montana Grizzlies travel to Missouri State in their second game next season on Sept. 12.
