“Unserious CFB program,” “They have no choice”: CFB fans rip Baylor’s decision to bring back HC Dave Aranda for 2026 season

The Baylor Bears are sticking with head coach Dave Aranda for yet another season. The university president, Linda Livingstone, confirmed this in a letter to supporters on Friday. Livingstone cited internal and external instability, among other things, as the reasons behind the decision to retain Aranda for next season.

She wrote in her letter:

“After careful evaluation and consideration, we have decided to retain Coach Dave Aranda as the leader of our football program. We recognize this decision will generate strong opinions. Let me be clear: Baylor expects excellence, accountability, and competitiveness at the highest level. We are not complacent, and we are not settling for mediocrity.”

Reactions from fans have trailed this announcement, with comments on social media. An Instagram user, Kentsweeps, wrote:

“Unserious CFB program.”

Another Instagram user, Kbbrady87, also wrote:

“They have no choice.”

Chk_kai1 commented:

“Yeah, Baylor is unserious, but man, what is the update on Kiffin? I’m growing tired. We need the update post.”

Lucasbaichwal added:

“Great, so with Robertson and Cameron gone, it will be another 5-7 win year.”

Ahhdayummm44 also commented:

“Music to my ears as a TCU fan.”

Princedorbarglazer wrote:

“How does this affect Prince Dorbah’s legacy?”

Comments on Dave Aranda's return as Baylor coach

The Baylor Bears are 5-5 this season (3-4 in the Big 12), despite the team’s solid offensive display throughout the campaign. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson is leading the country in passing, having thrown for 3,210 yards, 29 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

However, the Bears’ defense has been much less inspiring, with coach Dave Aranda calling the plays. The defense is 119th nationally, conceding an average of 31.9 points per game.

Dave Aranda’s tenure in Baylor in nutshell

Dave Aranda started his Baylor tenure with a 2-7 finish in the 2020 season. The following season saw him lead the Bears to a record 12-2 finish and a Big 12 championship. Less inspiring performances over the years have seen the Bears finish 3-9 in 2023 and start the 2024 season 2-4.

An incredible six-game winning streak to finish last season saw the fans start dreaming again. In his sixth season in charge of Baylor, Aranda has a combined 36-35 record coaching the Bears.

Baylor’s athletic director, Mack Rhoades, had resigned on Thursday, leaving a vacuum in the leadership of the school’s athletic programs.

The Bears’ next game is away at Arizona against the Wildcats on Saturday.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi