 In his first season, Briles led the Cougars to a 7–5 record, including a 54–48 triple-overtime loss to Hawaii, in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.After a 3–8 season in 2004, Briles guided the Cougars to a 6–6 season and another bowl game in 2005.In 2006, he led the Cougars to a 10–4 record and the Conference USA Championship that was played on December 1, 2006.