Waco, TX – In a stunning move, the Baylor Bears have officially parted ways with head coach Dave Aranda after what sources describe as mounting internal pressure following another disappointing season.
Aranda, who led Baylor to a Big 12 Championship in 2021, struggled to maintain that success in recent years. The Bears finished the 2024 season with a 4-8 record, marking their second consecutive losing campaign.
According to team insiders, university officials were growing increasingly frustrated with the program’s decline, particularly in recruiting and player development. “There was a strong belief that the program had lost its competitive edge,” a source close to the decision told reporters.
Aranda’s buyout was reportedly negotiated down to ease the financial burden on the university, paving the way for a swift coaching search. Early candidates for the position include Texas A&M defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, and rising star Jon Sumrall from Troy.
In a brief statement, Aranda thanked Baylor for the opportunity, saying, “This program will always hold a special place in my heart. I am proud of what we accomplished, and I wish the players and staff the very best moving forward.”
With Baylor now searching for a new head coach, the Bears will look to regain their footing in an increasingly competitive Big 12 landscape. Stay tuned for updates on Baylor’s coaching search.
