Art Briles, Baylor Release Statement Announcing End of Employment Relationship

Former head football coach Art Briles and Baylor University "have mutually agreed to terminate their employment relationship, effective immediately," according to Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman. 

Baylor and Briles released a joint statement on the university's official website Friday:

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Both parties acknowledge that there were serious shortcomings in the response to reports of sexual violence by some student-athletes, including deficiencies in University processes and the delegation of disciplinary responsibilities with the football program. Baylor is addressing these shortcomings and making ongoing improvements.

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On June 17, Bleacher Report's Jason King reported Briles and Baylor had agreed to a contract settlement after the 60-year-old was "suspended indefinitely with intent to terminate, according to contractual procedures," per a school release.

Terms of the settlement have not been reported, but USA Today's Dan Wolken noted Briles had eight years and approximately $40 million remaining on his deal at the time of his suspension. 

Shortly after Briles was suspended, school president Kenneth Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw both resigned in the wake of an independent investigation into the school's mishandling of sexual assault accusations.

Baylor has since named Jim Grobe as its acting head football coach. The former Wake Forest boss assumed the position on an interim basis, and he will attempt to reform the program's identity throughout the 2016 season. 

"As a coach, winning is important," he said, per the school's release. "At the same time, I want to assure the Baylor family that every decision we will make in this football program will be made with Baylor University, her students and our student-athletes in mind."