Grobe would feel blessed to coach Baylor beyond 2016

Jim Grobe signed a one-year contract to serve as Baylor's interim head coach, but the 64-year-old wouldn't mind sticking around a while longer.

"I can see myself being here," Grobe told reporters at his introductory news conference Friday. "I love all the people at Baylor, the people in our program, and all the coaches are caring coaches and care about our kids.

"So beyond 2016, I would be blessed to have the opportunity to continue to coach. But like most coaches, we need to play well and our kids need to do the right things both on and off the field. But I think my attitude and our coaches' attitude, if we can take care of business, we'll be alright."

Grobe, who hasn't coached since stepping down at Wake Forest in 2013, was hired to replace Art Briles after the latter was dismissed amid the program's alleged sexual assault scandal.

The hiring of Grobe initially caught many by surprise, with most expecting defensive coordinator Phil Bennett to earn the the temporary promotion. However, Baylor interim athletic director Todd Patulski said that upon meeting with Grobe two days after Briles' firing, it became evident he was the right man for the job.

"It took you about five, 10 minutes in speaking to Coach to know the kind of man that he is and the kind of coach that he is, and the kind of individual that you want to lead the men that are on your football program," said Patulski.

Grobe inherits a program that despite being embroiled in controversy, is expected to contend in the Big 12 this year. In 18 seasons at Ohio and Wake Forest combined, Grobe has a career record of 110-115-1.