Coaching Staff Changes: Baylor’s Head Coach Faces Pressure Amid Uncertain Future
Baylor University’s football program is at a crossroads. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw the Bears struggle to maintain consistency and finish with a 6-6 record, the heat is on Dave Aranda, the head coach who has led the team since 2020. As Baylor’s football program braces for the 2025 season, Aranda faces growing pressure from fans, alumni, and the athletic department to turn things around—and fast.
Despite an impressive start to his tenure, which included a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance, Aranda’s recent inability to elevate the team has sparked a wave of discontent. The team’s performance in 2024, particularly their inconsistency on offense, has led many to question if the once-promising coach is still the right man for the job. With whispers of potential coaching changes swirling, it seems that Aranda’s future at Baylor hinges on his ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments in the offseason.
The Pressure Mounts
Sources within the Baylor athletic department confirm that Aranda has already begun to feel the heat. “It’s no secret that the expectations at Baylor are high,” said an anonymous athletic department insider. “Coach Aranda has done some great things, but right now, there’s a sense of urgency. The fans are frustrated, and the administration is starting to ask tough questions about whether he can get the team back on track.”
Aranda, known for his defensive acumen, has struggled to find the right balance on offense. Quarterback Blake Shapen, once considered a potential star, has been inconsistent, and the offense has failed to generate the type of explosive plays necessary to compete with the top teams in the Big 12. While Baylor’s defense remained solid, their inability to score at critical moments led to key losses in 2024. It’s clear that changes need to be made, and Aranda appears to be under pressure to fix the offense or risk losing his job.
Potential Staff Shakeup
Insiders reveal that Aranda is considering significant changes to his coaching staff to address these concerns. Rumors have circulated that Baylor could be looking for a new offensive coordinator, potentially someone with a more dynamic and aggressive approach to play-calling. A source close to the program speculates that Aranda is seriously considering bringing in an experienced offensive mind to breathe new life into the Bears’ attack.
“Coach Aranda is a defensive genius, but it’s clear that the offense has held this team back in recent seasons,” said Jared Simmons, a former Baylor player. “I think he knows that changes need to be made, and he’s not going to sit idly by. The pressure is on him to make those tough calls.”
Adding to the speculation is the looming threat of external pressure from Baylor’s fanbase, which has become increasingly vocal about the team’s lackluster performance. The once-loyal supporters are growing restless, particularly as other Big 12 teams have made significant strides under their own coaching staffs.
A Turning Point
With the 2025 season just around the corner, the next few months are critical for Aranda and his coaching staff. The future of Baylor football may very well depend on how well Aranda responds to this pressure. Will he make the bold, necessary changes to reinvigorate the program, or will the mounting tension cause him to crack under the weight of expectations?
If Baylor is to have any chance of reclaiming its place among the Big 12’s elite, the decision on how to handle coaching staff changes will be pivotal. Aranda’s future at Baylor, once secure and promising, now hangs in the balance. The coming months will determine whether he can prove that he’s the coach capable of leading the Bears back to championship contention—or if his time at Baylor has reached its final chapter.
