WACO, Texas – In a decisive move that signals confidence in the program’s trajectory, Baylor University has officially confirmed that Head Football Coach Dave Aranda will return for the 2025 season. This announcement comes on the heels of a significant late-season resurgence by the Bears, culminating in a crucial victory over West Virginia that secured bowl eligibility for the team.
Despite facing challenges earlier in the 2024 campaign, the Baylor Bears demonstrated remarkable resilience and improvement in the latter part of the season. This turnaround, marked by enhanced offensive and defensive performances, ultimately propelled them to the required number of wins to qualify for postseason play. The decisive victory against West Virginia, a hard-fought contest that showcased the team’s growth and determination, proved to be the clincher.
University leadership, after a thorough evaluation of the program’s progress and Coach Aranda’s vision, expressed strong support for his continued leadership. In a statement released by Baylor Athletics, Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades lauded Aranda’s commitment to the student-athletes and his unwavering belief in the team’s potential.
“Coach Aranda is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of Baylor University,” Rhoades stated. “We have witnessed the team’s significant development throughout the season, and the achievement of bowl eligibility is a testament to Coach Aranda’s dedication, his coaching staff’s hard work, and the players’ commitment. We are excited about the future of the Baylor Football program under his guidance.”
This decision provides stability and clarity for the Baylor football program as they head into the offseason and begin preparations for the 2025 season. It also serves as a strong message to recruits and current players, reinforcing the university’s belief in the direction of the team under Aranda’s leadership.
Dave Aranda, who joined Baylor in 2020, led the Bears to a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2021. While the subsequent seasons presented their own set of obstacles, the recent turnaround has reignited optimism among the Baylor faithful. Aranda’s emphasis on player development, a strong team culture, and a strategic approach to the game have been key factors in the team’s progress.
Speaking after the confirmation, Coach Aranda expressed his gratitude for the university’s continued support and his excitement for the future. “I am deeply appreciative of the trust that Baylor University has placed in me and our coaching staff,” Aranda said. “The resilience and determination shown by our players this season have been truly inspiring. We are building something special here, and I am eager to continue working with these young men and build on this momentum for the 2025 season.”
The Baylor Bears and their fans can now look forward with renewed enthusiasm as the program aims to build upon the positive momentum gained at the end of the 2024 season. The return of Dave Aranda provides a sense of continuity and a clear path forward as the team sets its sights on even greater achievements in the seasons to come. The offseason will be crucial for recruiting and further developing the roster, with the goal of competing at the highest level in the Big 12 Conference.
