Full Breakdown
Baylor Retains Coach Dave Aranda Amid Athletic Department Transition
11/22/2025, 4:07:55 AM
Decision to Retain Aranda
Baylor University has announced that it will retain football coach Dave Aranda for the 2026 season, following a comprehensive review of the football program. This decision comes shortly after the resignation of athletic director Mack Rhoades, who had hired Aranda in 2020. Baylor president Linda Livingstone emphasized the need for stability during this transition, allowing the new athletic director to assess the football program without the immediate pressure of a coaching change.
Livingstone acknowledged the frustrations expressed by fans regarding the team's performance, stating, "Baylor Football has experienced both historic highs and challenging seasons under Coach Aranda." She noted that while the team celebrated a Big 12 Championship and Sugar Bowl victory in 2021, the recent seasons have not met expectations. The Bears currently hold a 5-5 record for the 2025 season, with a challenging schedule ahead.
Performance Overview
Aranda's tenure at Baylor has been marked by a mix of success and struggle. After a difficult start in 2020 with a 2-7 record, he led the Bears to a remarkable 12-2 season in 2021. However, the program has since faced challenges, including a 3-9 season in 2023 and a lackluster performance in 2024, where the team finished 8-5 but lost in the Texas Bowl. The current season has seen the Bears struggle defensively, ranking last in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing an average of 31.9 points per game.
Despite these challenges, Livingstone highlighted the respect players have for Aranda, stating, "Please know that our team respects and loves playing for Coach Aranda." She also mentioned that he aligns with Baylor's Christian mission, reinforcing his role as an ambassador for the university.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Several factors influenced Baylor's decision to retain Aranda. Livingstone pointed to the need for stability during the athletic director transition, the importance of maintaining the current roster and recruiting class, and the financial implications of a coaching change. The potential buyout costs associated with terminating Aranda's contract, estimated to be around $12 million, were also a consideration.
In the context of a highly competitive coaching landscape, where several prominent programs are seeking new leadership, Baylor's choice to keep Aranda allows the university to focus on long-term investments in the football program rather than incurring immediate costs associated with a coaching change.
Criticism and Future Outlook
While the decision to retain Aranda has been met with mixed reactions, it reflects a broader trend in college athletics where institutions are navigating instability and uncertainty. Critics argue that Aranda must address the defensive shortcomings that have plagued the team, particularly given his background as a defensive coordinator at successful programs like LSU.
As Baylor prepares for the remainder of the season, the focus will be on improving performance and ensuring that the football program aligns with the university's expectations for excellence and competitiveness. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for Aranda as he seeks to rebuild the team's defensive capabilities and restore Baylor's standing in college football.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After careful evaluation and consideration, we have decided to retain Coach Dave Aranda as the leader of our football program,” — Linda Livingstone, Baylor President
- “We know this season has not met our shared expectations.” — Linda Livingstone, Baylor President
- “Let me be clear: Baylor expects excellence, accountability and competitiveness at the highest level.” — Linda Livingstone, Baylor President
- “Please know that our team respects and loves playing for Coach Aranda.” — Linda Livingstone, Baylor President
