10 Things to Know About Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Including His Pro-NIL Statement
Dave Aranda, now entering his fifth season as Baylor’s head football coach, has established himself as one of the brightest minds in college football. Known for his defensive prowess, player development, and leadership, Aranda’s impact on the Bears program has been substantial. Here are ten things to know about the Baylor head coach, including his stance on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights.
1. Background and Early Career
Dave Aranda began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Hawaii before moving on to multiple stops as a defensive coordinator. He gained national recognition during his time at LSU as the defensive coordinator, helping lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2019. His expertise in defensive schemes and his ability to develop talent were key components of LSU’s success.
2. Baylor Head Coach Since 2020
Aranda became Baylor’s head coach in January 2020, taking over a program that had just experienced a major turnaround under former coach Matt Rhule. Despite a difficult first season (2020), Aranda’s leadership began to shine, culminating in an incredible 2021 season where the Bears won the Big 12 Championship and earned a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss.
3. Defensive Mastermind
Aranda is widely known as one of the best defensive minds in college football. His ability to build a defense that disrupts opposing offenses is one of his trademarks. Baylor’s defense consistently ranks among the best in the nation, and Aranda’s innovative approaches to defensive schemes keep his teams competitive.
4. Player Development
A core philosophy of Aranda’s coaching style is player development. Under his watch, Baylor players are expected not only to improve on the field but also grow as individuals off it. Aranda’s focus on the holistic development of his players, including academics and life skills, has garnered praise throughout his coaching career.
5. Big 12 Championship and Sugar Bowl Victory
In just his second season at Baylor (2021), Aranda led the Bears to the Big 12 Championship, a remarkable achievement for a team that had undergone a major coaching change. Baylor also earned a prestigious Sugar Bowl victory, defeating Ole Miss, and Aranda was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year for his efforts.
6. Emphasis on Recruiting and Team Culture
Aranda believes in building a strong team culture and emphasizes recruiting players who fit within the program’s values. His recruiting efforts are marked by a focus on character, work ethic, and team-first mentality, rather than just talent.
7. Adaptability in the Transfer Portal
As college football evolves, Aranda has shown a willingness to adapt, especially with the rise of the transfer portal. After a disappointing 2023 season, Aranda utilized the transfer portal to improve Baylor’s roster and address gaps in talent, ensuring that his team remains competitive.
8. Pro-NIL Stance
Dave Aranda has been vocal about his support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes. Aranda recognizes that NIL represents a significant shift in college athletics, giving players the opportunity to profit off their name and brand. However, he has cautioned against turning NIL into a “buying” mechanism where teams simply outbid each other for talent. Instead, Aranda believes NIL should be a tool for players to benefit from their hard work, but it should not overshadow the importance of team dynamics and player development.
9. Emotional Resilience and Leadership
Aranda is known for his calm demeanor and emotional resilience. He’s not a coach who often shows outward signs of frustration or emotion during games. Instead, he leads with a quiet strength and focuses on developing his players’ mental toughness. His leadership style is one that emphasizes discipline, resilience, and integrity.
10. Vision for Baylor Football
Aranda’s long-term vision for Baylor football is to create a sustainable, competitive program that can consistently compete for championships. His goal is to build a program where academic success, personal growth, and athletic achievement go hand-in-hand. With a focus on consistency and continuous improvement, Aranda aims to make Baylor a perennial contender in the Big 12 and beyond.
Conclusion
Dave Aranda has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in college football, and his leadership at Baylor is shaping the program’s future. His defensive prowess, player development focus, and willingness to embrace new opportunities like NIL make him a forward-thinking coach in the modern era of college football. If Aranda can continue to build on his early success at Baylor, the Bears may soon become a staple in national championship conversations.
