Bailiff takes FB helm for Rice Owls

HOUSTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Rice University in Houston introduced David Bailiff as the new head football coach of the Owls succeeding Todd Graham who left for the University of Tulsa.

Bailiff, 48, spent the past three seasons at Texas Tech posting a 21-15 record and leading the Bobcats to the 2005 Division I playoffs. Texas Tech finished 5-6 in 2006.

Graham led the Owls to a 7-6 record last year and an appearance in the New Orleans Bowl, their first bowl since 1961. He had signed a contract extension through 2012 but abruptly left for Tulsa three days later.