Baylor Fires Dave Aranda, Names Joe Klanderman Interim Coach
Baylor University has fired head football coach Dave Aranda after a loss to Kansas, and has promoted defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Bakersfield, CA, October 25, 2026 —
Baylor University has fired head football coach Dave Aranda after a loss to Kansas and elevated defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
The change puts Klanderman in charge of the team on an interim basis through the rest of the season. The information provided does not specify when the decision was made or give further details about the loss, including the score or when the game took place.
It also does not state Baylor’s record, explain the university’s reasons for dismissing Aranda, or describe whether the school has begun a search for a permanent head coach. No details were provided about the terms of Aranda’s departure or Klanderman’s interim appointment.
Aranda’s firing follows the loss to Kansas, but the available information does not establish whether that result was the sole reason for the decision. No statement from Baylor, Aranda or Klanderman was included, so their responses and any further explanation of the change are not available.
The immediate leadership change is clear: Klanderman, previously the team’s defensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season. Further information about Baylor’s plans after the season, and about the circumstances surrounding the coaching change, was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by JIM VERTUNO, Associated Press on www.kget.com, see more information here.
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