{
  "id": 16502135,
  "title": "Baylor fires Dave Aranda after Kansas loss, names defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman interim coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/baylor-fires-dave-aranda-after-kansas-loss-names-defensive",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-25T17:26:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/baylor-fires-dave-aranda-kansas-172603131.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Baylor University terminated the employment of head coach Dave Aranda on Sunday, following their 25-24 loss to Kansas in the Big 12 Conference. This marks the end of Aranda's six-year tenure at the university. The decision came after the Baylor Bears fell to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. A decisive play by Jayhawks safety Blake Herold, who blocked a field goal attempt in the final minute, secured Kansas' first win over Baylor since 2007, ending a 14-game losing streak between the two teams. Aranda assumed the role of head coach at Baylor in 2020 and led the team to the Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2021. However, he has struggled to maintain success since, with only one winning season under his belt. Aranda's final record at Baylor stands at 40-40. He had faced increasing pressure to improve the program during his seventh season. Additionally, Aranda was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach, with the appointment of Joe Klanderman, formerly Kansas State's defensive coordinator, to take over the head coaching duties for the remainder of the season. Klanderman was brought in from Kansas State to handle play-calling and transferred quarterback DJ Lagway, a Texas native from Florida, was signed to bolster the team. Baylor Athletic Director Doug McNamee praised Aranda, describing him as a genuine and honorable person who deeply cared for his players, staff, and university. He recognized Aranda's brilliance as a football coach and his significant contributions to Baylor football memories. Despite the challenging situation, McNamee believed that a change in leadership was necessary for the program's future. Baylor is set to face UCF in their next game, which took place on Saturday against then-No. 2 BYU, resulting in a thrilling 39-31 victory in double overtime on Friday.",
  "summary": "Aranda’s dismissal came a day after Baylor lost to Kansas 25-24 to fall to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12 Conference.",
  "key_points": [
    "Baylor fires head coach Dave Aranda after loss to Kansas.",
    "Names Joe Klanderman interim coach, former Kansas State defensive coordinator.",
    "Klanderman brings in DJ Lagway to bolster team."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}