CFL Team Blasts Art Briles Hiring, 'Large and Serious Mistake'

The CFL team that hired (and then fired) disgraced ex-Baylor coach Art Briles is calling the whole situation a "large and serious mistake" ... and they're apologizing to their fans.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats initially hired Briles as an offensive coordinator -- only to let him go less than 24 hours later after talking it over with the league.

Briles oversaw the Baylor football program during a period in which investigators say people who accused the players of sexual assault were retaliated against by school officials. Briles denied wrongdoing.

Still, the Tiger-Cats say looking back ... they shouldn't have even considered hiring the guy.

"We made a large and serious mistake. We want to apologize to our fans, corporate partners and the Canadian Football League."

"It has been a difficult season and we are searching for answers. This is clearly not one of them."

"We have listened, we are reviewing our decision-making processes and we will learn. We will go on. We want to thank our fans, partners and the CFL for their help and support.”