Houston, TX -- (Sports Network) - Art Briles accepted the position as head football coach at Baylor University on Wednesday and he was introduced at a press conference at Floyd Casey Stadium.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Briles agreed to a seven-year deal worth approximately $1.8 million per year.

Briles has spent the last five years at the University of Houston, where he amassed a 34-28 record and piloted the Cougars to four bowl appearances.

"Coach Briles is regarded as one of the top head coaches and offensive minds in college football as evidenced by Houston's record-setting offense," said Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. "He is a relentless recruiter who may have as strong a set of recruiting contacts in the State of Texas as any coach in the country. Finally, he is a genuine and engaging person who will relate well to the Baylor family and generate enthusiasm around our football program."

Houston is scheduled to play in this year's Texas Bowl but Briles will not be on the sideline, as the school named Chris Thurmond as its interim football coach. Thurmond, who has been the team's recruiting coordinator and also served as an assistant coach the last two seasons, will guide the Cougars through the Texas Bowl on December 28.

Briles had four years remaining on a contract extension he signed last year with the Cougars. The deal included a $300,000 buyout clause, however, which allowed Briles to take the Baylor job.

Briles replaces Guy Morriss with the Bears, who was fired on November 18 after a disappointing 3-9 season in which the team went 0-8 in the Big 12.

Morriss finished his tenure at Baylor with an 18-40 record, including a 7-33 record in the Big 12.

Baylor hasn't had a winning season since a 7-4 campaign in 1995. Since joining the Big 12 in 1996, the Bears have won more than three games only twice: in the 2005 and 2006 campaigns, both under Morriss.