Baylor makes head coach decision after 2 straight losses

The Baylor Bears lost 25-24 at Kansas on Saturday after a Baylor field goal was blocked near the end of regulation. The result snapped the Bears' 14-game winning streak against the Jayhawks and dropped them to 4-3. The Bears entered the game 4-2.

Seventh-year head coach Dave Aranda guided Baylor to a 12-2 record, the Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss in 2021, the best season in program history. But Saturday's loss was the Bears' second straight, and pressure had been building since a 5-7 finish in 2025. By Sunday morning, Baylor's administration had reached a decision.

Baylor fires Dave Aranda, names Joe Klanderman interim head coach

Baylor has fired Aranda, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the regular season.

Aranda finishes 40-40 in seven seasons, including 26-32 in Big 12 play, with four losing seasons in his first six years.

He arrived from LSU, where he was associate head coach and defensive coordinator, and went 2-7 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Who is Joe Klanderman, Baylor's interim head coach?

Klanderman joined Baylor this year after seven seasons at Kansas State, the last six as defensive coordinator. Thamel reported the hire on Dec. 11, 2025.

He previously helped North Dakota State win four FCS national championships as defensive backs coach from 2014 to 2018. Through Week 8, Baylor's defense ranks second in the Big 12 in total yards allowed (301.6 per game) and third in points allowed (16.1) with Klanderman calling plays.

His first game as interim coach comes Friday against UCF, giving Baylor a short week to adjust after the change.