Baylor retains coach Dave Aranda for 2026 season

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st November, 13:07 2025

NCAA Football: Central Florida at Baylor

Nov 1, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda on the sidelines against the UCF Knights during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Baylor is bringing back head football coach Dave Aranda in 2026 following a review of the athletic program's leadership.

The news on Friday comes one day after the school announced that athletic director Mack Rhoades had resigned.

"We acknowledge the frustrations many of you feel, and we share in them," Baylor president Linda A. Livingston said in a letter announcing the decision on Aranda. "Baylor football has experienced both historic highs and challenging seasons under Coach Aranda. While we celebrate the Big 12 Championship and Sugar Bowl victory in 2021, we know this season has not met our shared expectations.

"Please know that our team respects and loves playing for Coach Aranda."

Livingstone cited stability during the transition to a new athletic director, protecting the current roster/recruiting class and exercising financial stewardship during this time.

Baylor has a 5-5 record (3-4 Big 12) this season, one year after going 8-5. The Bears need to defeat host Arizona on Saturday or Houston at home on Nov. 29 to become bowl eligible.

Aranda, 49, is 36-35 during his six seasons with Baylor.

--Field Level Media

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