Baylor University has parted ways with head football coach Dave Aranda, making the Bears the third Power 4 program to change coaches in the 2026 college football carousel. The move was announced on Sunday, October 25.
Aranda, a celebrated defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and LSU, arrived at Baylor before the 2020 season. He led the Bears to a 12-2 record in 2021, capped by a Sugar Bowl victory and a top-five finish in the AP Poll. However, the program posted a sub-.500 record both overall and in Big 12 play for the remainder of his tenure.
Interim head coach Jon Klanderman, in his first year as defensive coordinator, debuted with a 41-9 win over UCF in Week 9.
Among the leading candidates to replace Aranda is UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor. Since taking over the Roadrunners in 2020, Traylor has compiled a 58-27 overall record and a 37-12 conference mark across Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference. UTSA has started the current season 5-1, boosting Traylor's profile. He is noted for his Texas ties, success with multiple quarterbacks including Frank Harris, and a track record of developing coordinators who have been hired away.
Additional candidates, including a sitting head coach with multiple College Football Playoff appearances, are being discussed by Baylor insiders.
