REBUILT: How Baylor Football, Dave Aranda Saved Football Program by STUNNING TCU In Big 12 Play

Dave Aranda’s tenure at Baylor University has been marked by a rollercoaster of challenges and notable highs since he was hired as head coach in January 2020. Aranda came to Baylor with a reputation as a defensive mastermind, having served as defensive coordinator at LSU and helping lead them to a national championship. Baylor fans were hopeful he could continue the success achieved under former coach Matt Rhule, who had revitalized the program before departing for the NFL. However, Aranda’s journey in Waco has been anything but straightforward.

Aranda’s first season in 2020 was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited practices, an overhauled staff, and roster adjustments, Baylor struggled, finishing with a disappointing 2-7 record. Despite the setback, Aranda used the offseason to reshape the team’s culture and refine his coaching approach. His commitment paid off in 2021 when Baylor stunned the Big 12 with a breakthrough season, finishing 12-2, winning the Big 12 Championship, and defeating Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. This remarkable turnaround solidified Aranda’s reputation as a rising coaching talent and seemed to signal a new era for Baylor football.

However, the momentum didn’t last long. The 2022 and 2023 seasons have proven inconsistent and frustrating for the Bears. Issues with depth, inexperience, and injuries exposed Baylor’s vulnerabilities, and the team has struggled to maintain the success of 2021. Aranda’s tenure has been marked by both praise for his quiet, cerebral approach and criticism for not sustaining the level of competitiveness expected in the Big 12. As of now, his future at Baylor is uncertain, with fans and analysts questioning whether Aranda can recapture the 2021 magic and build a stable, winning program. His next few seasons will likely determine if he’s able to bring long-term success to Baylor or if his time there will be short-lived.

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