A coaching autopsy: Dave Aranda, Baylor

Key Points:

• Baylor University announced the end of Dave Aranda's six-and-a-half-season tenure as head football coach, citing the need for a leadership change despite his genuine care for players and staff and his contributions to the program.
• Aranda's tenure included historic highs such as winning the 2021 Big 12 Championship and finishing No. 5 in the AP poll, the highest in program history, highlighted by a Sugar Bowl victory over No. 8 Ole Miss.
• Challenges during Aranda's period included a disappointing 3-9 record in 2023 and a poor 1-5 record against rival TCU, with key losses impacting postseason opportunities.
• Aranda made significant strategic changes, notably shifting to a wide zone offense that dramatically improved Baylor's rushing performance and overall record, but defensive struggles persisted, leading him to take over play-calling in 2024.
• Moving forward, Baylor is expected to leverage its Texas location and rich football talent pipeline to find a new coach, with Jeff Traylor mentioned as a potential candidate due to his successful track record at UTSA and ties to Texas high school football.