What Happened to Baylor University Football Program?

The Baylor University Football Program boasts a long history, with its first season in 1899 and multiple Southwest Conference championships in its early years. However, the program's modern era is largely defined by two significant periods: a rise to national prominence under Art Briles, followed by a devastating sexual assault scandal, and a subsequent period of rebuilding and fluctuating performance under Dave Aranda.

Under head coach Art Briles, who was hired in 2008, Baylor football achieved unprecedented success, including Big 12 Conference championships and consistent national rankings. This era, however, was overshadowed by a widespread sexual assault scandal that came to light between 2012 and 2016. Numerous reports emerged of sexual and non-sexual assaults by Baylor students, predominantly football players, and allegations of efforts by school officials to conceal them. An internal investigation by Pepper Hamilton found that the football program operated as if it was "above the rules," with coaches and staff interfering with investigations. The scandal led to the ousting of Briles in May 2016, the demotion and eventual resignation of university president Ken Starr, and the resignation of athletic director Ian McCaw, among others. Reports indicated that 17 women reported sexual or domestic assault charges against 19 football players since 2011, including at least four alleged gang rapes.

Following the scandal, Jim Grobe served as interim head coach in 2016, and Matt Rhule was hired in 2017 to rebuild the program's culture and performance. Rhule quickly turned the team around, culminating in a 11-3 record and a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2019, before he departed for the NFL. Dave Aranda, a highly regarded defensive coordinator, was hired in January 2020. Aranda led the Bears to a historic 12-2 season in 2021, securing a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory, earning him a contract extension through 2029.

However, the program's performance has been inconsistent since the 2021 peak. Baylor finished with losing records in 2023 (3-9) and 2025 (3-6), and a winning record in 2024 (8-5). Despite mounting pressure and the abrupt resignation of athletic director Mack Rhoades, University President Linda Livingstone controversially announced Aranda's retention for the 2026 season in November 2025. Entering the 2026 season, Aranda's overall record stands at 36-37.

As of September 5, 2026, the Baylor Football Program is undergoing significant changes to reverse its recent struggles. Aranda has stepped back from defensive play-calling, with Joe Clanderman taking over as defensive coordinator, and Jake Spavital remains as offensive coordinator. The team's 2026 season began today with an Aflac Kickoff Game against Auburn in Atlanta, featuring the highly anticipated debut of five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, a legacy recruit whose father also played for Baylor. The program is under pressure to deliver tangible results in 2026, with Aranda's job security potentially hinging on the team's performance.