Baylor Parts Ways With Head Coach Dave Aranda

The Baylor Bears have dismissed head coach Dave Aranda, the university announced Sunday afternoon. The decision comes after the Bears' 25-24 road loss to Kansas on Saturday, marking their third defeat of the season and second consecutive loss.

Aranda, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2020 season, compiled a 40-40 overall record during his seven seasons with the program. After a 2-7 record in his COVID-shortened first season, he led Baylor to a 12-2 campaign in 2021, culminating in a Sugar Bowl victory and a No. 5 ranking in the final AP Top 25 Poll.

"Anyone who knows Dave Aranda understands what a genuine and honorable person he is and how much he deeply cares for his players, staff and this University," Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug McNamee stated. "He is a gifted coach and a brilliant football mind whose leadership brought some of our best Baylor football memories. While this is a difficult moment, we believe a change in leadership is necessary at this time for our program."

Aranda had signed a contract extension in 2022 that ran through the 2029 season. His departure triggers a buyout package reportedly around $12 million, according to Yahoo Sports. Baylor began the 2026 season with a 17-16 loss to Auburn but won four straight before subsequent losses to TCU and Kansas. The team's three losses this season have been by a combined 13 points.

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman will serve as interim head coach. Aranda's firing makes him the third Power Four coach to be dismissed this season, joining Maryland's Mike Locksley and NC State's Dave Doeren.