A native of Rule, Texas, Briles attended Rule High School, where he was coached by his father. Playing quarterback and earning all-state honors, Briles accepted a scholarship offer by Bill Yeoman at the University of Houston. There Briles switched to wide receiver and played three seasons, including the 1977 Cotton Bowl Classic. His parents and aunt died in a car crash on their way to see him play in a game in October 1976. After finishing the 1976–77 academic year, Briles left Houston and transferred to Texas Tech to complete his bachelor's degree, which he earned in 1979. He went on to earn a master's degree in education at Abilene Christian University before entering coaching. Briles is a staunch churchgoer and has attested to the role his faith has had in influencing his coaching.