Baylor fires seven-year coach Aranda after Kansas loss

Baylor fired head coach Dave Aranda on Oct. 25, 2026, the day after a 25-24 loss to Kansas. The Bears blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead and had a field goal blocked near the end of regulation, falling to 4-3. Pete Thamel reported on Twitter/X: "Sources: Baylor has fired coach Dave Aranda." Per his sources, defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is interim coach. Klanderman came from Kansas State this year. Aranda's Baylor record is 40-40 in seven seasons and 26-32 in Big 12 play. The 2021 team went 12-2 with a Big 12 title and Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss. Baylor finished 2-7 in 2020 and 5-7 in 2025, bowl-eligible only twice in the last four seasons. Defense ranks second in Big 12 yards allowed (301.6 per game) and third in points allowed (16.1) through Week 8. CONTESTED: Saturday Blitz puts Baylor at 2-2 in Big 12 play; Fox Sports has them 2-3 against Power Conference teams after entering 4-2 per The Big Lead. None other found. The administration reached its decision by Sunday morning. Klanderman serves the rest of the regular season, first facing UCF, while Baylor searches for a permanent replacement. Baylor is the third Power Conference school to fire its coach this season.