Baylor Fires Football Coach Dave Aranda After Six Seasons

Baylor has parted ways with head football coach Dave Aranda, concluding his six-plus season tenure that yielded a 40-40 overall record. The firing occurred a day after the Bears suffered a 25-24 defeat to Kansas, a game in which a potential game-winning field goal attempt in the final seconds was blocked.

At the time of his dismissal, Baylor held a 4-3 record for the current season. The loss to Kansas was particularly stinging, as the Jayhawks had not previously secured a Big 12 victory this season. Baylor had held a 21-10 lead after the third quarter before ultimately losing the lead.

In a statement, Baylor VP and director of intercollegiate athletics Doug McNamee acknowledged Aranda's character and contributions. "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," McNamee said. "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. We will forever be thankful to Dave and his family for their time here at Baylor, and we wish them well."

Aranda was hired by Baylor in 2020, previously serving as LSU's defensive coordinator. His first season with the Bears was a significant success, as he led the team to a 12-2 record and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2021. However, the program has achieved only one winning season since then.

The current season began with another close loss, a defeat to Auburn where a two-point conversion attempt fell just short.

Defensive coordinator Joe Klafell has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Baylor's remaining schedule includes games against BYU, Texas Tech, and Houston.