Baylor Fires Head Coach Dave Aranda

The university parts ways with Aranda after a seven-season tenure and a narrow loss to Kansas.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Football

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Baylor has terminated head coach Dave Aranda following a 25-24 loss to Kansas. Joe Klanderman has been named the interim head coach for the program.

Why it matters

The decision follows a period of instability for the football program, which recorded three losing seasons over the previous four years. Aranda leaves the university with an even 40-40 career record.

Aranda concluded his seven-season tenure at Baylor with a 40-40 overall record. He is expected to receive a $12 million buyout following his departure.

The players

Dave Aranda

He served as the head football coach at Baylor for seven seasons before being fired.

Joe Klanderman

He is the former defensive coordinator from Kansas State who has been named the interim head coach at Baylor.

The details

Baylor chose to move on from Aranda after the team fell to a 4-3 record this season. Joe Klanderman, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Kansas State, steps into the interim role.

Aranda served as defensive coordinator at Hawaii from 2010 to 2011.
Aranda served as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2013 to 2015.
Aranda served as defensive coordinator at LSU from 2016 to 2019.
Baylor lost 25-24 to Kansas on October 24, 2026.
Baylor fired Dave Aranda on October 25, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The coaching change forces a mid-season reset for the program as it looks to salvage the remainder of the 2026 schedule. This move fundamentally shifts the team leadership heading into the final stretch of the current season.

The transition to an interim head coach directly impacts team rotation and play-calling strategy for the remainder of the 2026 schedule. Fans should monitor roster shifts as the program adjusts its scheme under new leadership.

The takeaway

Programs often look to interim coaches to provide an immediate culture shift after failing to meet performance benchmarks. Aranda’s exit highlights the high-stakes financial and competitive nature of modern college football.