Full Breakdown
Baylor Dismisses Head Coach Dave Aranda After Kansas Loss
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 25, 2026, Baylor University terminated head football coach Dave Aranda and promoted defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The decision followed a 25-24 road defeat to Kansas that gave the Jayhawks their first Big 12 win of the year and ended a 14-game losing streak against Baylor dating back to 2007. The Bears fell to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
Background & Context
Aranda was hired in 2020 after a stint as LSU’s defensive coordinator that culminated in the 2019 national championship. His first season (2020) produced a 2-7 record in a COVID-impacted schedule. In 2021, Baylor captured the Big 12 title, finished 12-2, and won the Sugar Bowl over Ole Miss, earning a No. 5 final AP ranking. Since that peak, the program has posted only one additional winning season (2024, 8-5) and recorded four losing seasons in six full years. Aranda’s overall record at Baylor stands at 40-40, with a 26-32 mark in Big 12 play.
Data & Statistics
- Overall record: 40-40 (seven seasons)
- Big 12 record: 26-32
- 2021: 12-2, Big 12 champion, Sugar Bowl win
- 2024: 8-5 (only other winning season)
- 2026 to date: 4-3 (2-2 in conference)
- Losses in 2026 have been by a combined 13 points (17-6 vs. TCU, 25-24 vs. Kansas).
Official Statements & Responses
Baylor’s vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Doug McNamee issued a statement praising Aranda’s character and contributions:
- “He is a gifted coach and a brilliant football mind whose leadership brought some of our best Baylor football memories,” — Doug McNamee, baylor athletic director
University president Linda Livingstone, who had previously defended retaining Aranda, noted his willingness to adapt:
- “Dave is a learner and he's a listener, and he's always been open from my perspective to doing things differently,” — Linda Livingstone, baylor president
Both officials emphasized that a “change in leadership is necessary” for the program’s future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The financial terms of Aranda’s termination are reported differently. Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger cited a buyout of approximately $12 million. A USA Today report echoed the $12 million figure but also listed a “buyout total” of $32 million, breaking down $12 million for Aranda, $10 million for NC State’s Dave Doeren, and $10 million for Maryland’s Mike Locksley. No source provided a definitive contract clause, leaving the exact payout unclear.
What’s Next
Joe Klanderman will lead Baylor through its remaining schedule, which includes road games at UCF, BYU, Texas Tech, and Houston. The Bears’ performance under the interim coach will shape the upcoming coaching search, which already lists candidates such as Jeff Traylor (UTSA), Jason Eck (New Mexico), and Lincoln Riley (USC).
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Verbatim Quotes
- “He is a gifted coach and a brilliant football mind whose leadership brought some of our best Baylor football memories.” — Doug McNamee, Baylor athletic director
- “Dave is a learner and he's a listener, and he's always been open from my perspective to doing things differently.” — Linda Livingstone, Baylor president