Baylor University announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, that it has parted ways with head football coach Dave Aranda after six seasons. Aranda, a former defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and LSU, led the Bears to a 12-2 record, a Sugar Bowl victory, and a top-five finish in the AP Poll in 2021. However, the program posted a sub-.500 record overall and in Big 12 play in the subsequent seasons.
Interim head coach Jon Klanderman made a winning debut in Week 9, guiding Baylor to a 41-9 victory over UCF.
Candidates Emerging
Among the names being considered for the permanent role is UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor. Traylor holds a 58-27 overall record since taking over the Roadrunners in 2020, with a 37-12 conference mark across Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference. His team is off to a 5-1 start this season, bolstering his candidacy. Traylor's deep Texas ties and ability to win with multiple quarterbacks and coaching staffs have been noted as strengths.
Additional candidates, including a sitting head coach with College Football Playoff experience, are reportedly under consideration as the search continues.
