University of Texas sophomore safety Kendal Briles has elected to transfer to the University of Houston and play for his father, Art, Longhorns head coach Mack Brown said on Monday. Briles, who has been given an unconditional release from his scholarship by UT, served as the Longhorns' top backup at free safety and saw action on special teams as a redshirt freshman last season.

Art Briles became the 10th head coach in UH history on Dec. 6, 2002. A member of the Cougars 1976 Southwest Conference Championship squad, he is the first former UH player to serve as head football coach.

"We really like Kendal and appreciate everything he has done for us," Brown said. "He's a great leader who has contributed a lot to our program, both on and off the field. I know he loves UT and being a Longhorn, but this is a special circumstance for him. Kendal passed up the chance to play for his dad once before, but now he's decided it's something he doesn't want to miss out on with his dad being head coach. We completely understand his decision, appreciate what he's done for us and look forward watching him in the future. He always will be welcome in the Longhorn football family."

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Briles played in seven games and posted 10 tackles (five solo) and two interceptions last season. Both of his interceptions came during extensive action at safety against Baylor. He missed the first five games of the season with an ankle injury and one more with a shoulder injury.

"The only reason I'm leaving Texas is to be with my dad at Houston," Briles said. "I came to UT because I loved the coaches, the Longhorn family and it was where I wanted to be. None of that has changed, but having a chance to play quarterback for my dad again was just too much to turn down. I have a really close relationship with my dad and this wouldn't even be an option if it wasn't for him. I believe in my dad and want to have a chance to help him get the program off to a good start at Houston.

"I know that I will have to sit out a year and there are a lot of good players there. I just want to step in, compete and help wherever I can. I love everyone at Texas and will always be a big fan of the program, but this was something I just couldn't pass up."

A two-time Texas 4A Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-state quarterback, Briles led Stephenville High School to a 16-0 record and the Texas 4A State Championship while playing for his father as a junior. He transferred to Wolfforth Frenship High as a senior when his father took an assistant coaching job at Texas Tech.