In addition to how his teams performed on and off-the-field, Baylor targeted Matt Rhule to fill their head coaching vacancy back in 2017 because he had a reputation for doing things the right way. At the time, Baylor was in the national spotlight for all of the wrong reasons, and everything that Rhule brought to the table was exactly what Baylor and the Waco community needed to heal and move forward.
Rhule went 1-11 during that very difficult first year with the dark cloud hanging over the program, and last year he and his staff put together a 7-6 season that included a win in the Texas Bowl to get the program heading back in the right direction.
To open the 2019 campaign yesterday, Rhule and Baylor welcomed Stephen F. Austin (FCS - TX) to Waco. Upon arrival, SFA head coach Colby Carthel, in his first season leading a Division I football program after a highly successful run that included a Division II National Title at Texas A&M Commerce, had a special gift and message waiting for him and his wife.
Coach Carthel was so impressed by the welcoming gesture that he took to social media to share the special feeling.
Absolute first class move by coach Rhule, and something we can all learn something from.
Update >> The idea actually came from Rhule's wife, Julie.