On February 5, 2004, Bailiff again returned to his alma mater, which by now was known as Texas State University, this time as head coach. In his first season as the Bobcats' head coach, he guided them to a 5–6 record.
In February 2004, Bailiff came back to his university, which was then known as Texas State University, and took over as the head coach of the Bobcats. During his first season, he achieved a 5–6 win-loss record.