Aranda was in the midst of his seventh season in charge of the Bears after taking over the head coaching gig in Waco, Texas, ahead of the 2020 season.After going 2-7 in his first season, one plagued by COVID, he led Baylor to a 12-2 campaign in 2021 that included a Sugar Bowl victory over a 10-win Ole Miss team.
Baylor finished as the No.5 team in the country in the final AP Top 25 Poll that season.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Baylor officially announced the news of Aranda's departure on Sunday afternoon.Dave Aranda Head Coach of the Baylor Bears adjusts his headset on the sideline during the second quarter of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on October 24, 2026 at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.
(Photo by Hanna Kotlarek/Baylor Athletics/University Images via Getty Images) (Hanna Kotlarek/Baylor Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS: ARCH MANNING LIKES THE DISRESPECT, BIG 12'S DISASTER AND A CFP RACE IN DISARRAY"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, wrote in a statement."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."Head Coach Dave Aranda high fives offensive lineman Lawson Petty #76 during the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 19, 2026 at the McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.
(Photo by Will Mallory/Baylor Athletics/Un...