Story perspectives

Baylor fires Dave Aranda after 25–24 loss to Kansas

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 11:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Baylor Fires Aranda

Baylor University fired head football coach Dave Aranda after a 25-24 loss to Kansas, ending a 4-3 start.
Aranda’s contract includes a reported $12 million buyout.
He finished 40-40 in seven seasons.
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III said he is 100 % interested in the Baylor job despite no coaching experience.
Griffin recommended Boise State’s Spencer Danielson, UTSA’s Jeff Traylor, and cited USC’s Lincoln Riley as a dark-horse candidate.

Summary

Klanderman Named Interim

Joe Klanderman, Baylor’s defensive coordinator from Kansas State, was named interim head coach after Aranda’s dismissal.
His interim appointment gives him a chance to showcase leadership before a permanent hire.
Klanderman will lead the Bears through the rest of the 2026 season while the university searches for a permanent coach.
FOX analyst Griffin, with Connor Onion, said on Dan Patrick Show Baylor needs a coach who knows how to win.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, after leading the Florida Gators to a 13-1 season and a Sugar Bowl win, Urban Meyer announced a health-related leave, ending his tenure despite a $24 million, six-year contract that made him the SEC’s highest-paid coach. His abrupt departure highlighted how large contracts and sudden exits have long driven swift interim hires and tighter buyout clauses across college football.

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Baylor Fires Aranda

Baylor University fired head football coach Dave Aranda after a 25-24 loss to Kansas, ending a 4-3 start.
Aranda’s contract includes a reported $12 million buyout.
He finished 40-40 in seven seasons.
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III said he is 100 % interested in the Baylor job despite no coaching experience.
Griffin recommended Boise State’s Spencer Danielson, UTSA’s Jeff Traylor, and cited USC’s Lincoln Riley as a dark-horse candidate.

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