Dave Aranda Reacts to Baylor Firing, Former HC Says CFB 'Changed Tremendously' During Tenure

Former Baylor head coach Dave Aranda reacted to his departure from the school in a statement released on Thursday.

"Thank you for the opportunity to lead Baylor Football for the last seven years - it's been a tremendous honor," Aranda said in a statement posted on X. "Dione and I remain very grateful for the many meaningful relationships forged in Waco. You embraced our family and provided a supportive community to raise our kids. I'm so appreciative of every player who touched our program, you guys mean the world to me and I'm proud of the many accomplishments we achieved together. You impacted me more than you know and I hope beyond all hope that feeling is mutual. Likewise, to our coaches, football staff and families, thank you for making the countless sacrifices that come with the job. You were a critical part of all our success together and I'm grateful to each of you."

"The game changed tremendously during my time at Baylor - some of which we were prepared for and others requiring growth on all fronts," he added. "At the end of the day, our results on the field didn't meet expectations and I understand that part of the business. I trust you all know it was not for lack of passion or effort. Through it all, we changed lives and furthered men - doing it the Baylor way. No apologies, no regrets, simply gratitude. God Bless."

Baylor fired Aranda on Sunday after the team fell to 4-3 with a 25-24 loss to Kansas.

Joe Klanderman, who previously served as the Bears' defensive coordinator, is now their interim head coach.

Aranda owned a 40-40 record across seven seasons at the school, making three bowl game appearances. His tenure with Baylor started on a high note, as the team posted a 12-2 record during his second year in 2021.

The college sports landscape changed ahead of that season, as the NCAA adopted its first interim NIL policy in June 2021.

Baylor wasn't able to record another double-digit win total after its 2021 campaign, although the Bears finished at 8-5 in 2024.

They struggled the following year, posting a 5-7 record that included a 1-5 mark over their final six games. After Baylor continued to deal with inconsistency this season, Aranda was let go.