Baylor Fires Dave Aranda After TCU Helped Expose Bears’ Problems

FORT WORTH - TCU already delivered its contribution to Baylor’s unraveling. Now the Horned Frogs must address their own uncertain season.

Baylor fired Dave Aranda on Sunday, Oct. 25, eight days after TCU defeated the Bears 17-6 in Waco. Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman will serve as interim head coach following Saturday’s 25-24 loss at Kansas.

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Those consecutive defeats dropped Baylor to 4-3 and ended Aranda’s tenure during his seventh season.

“We believe a change in leadership is necessary at this time for our program,” Baylor athletic director Doug McNamee said in the university’s announcement.

For TCU, the immediate schedule impact is limited: The Revivalry is already finished, and the Horned Frogs secured the victory before Baylor changed coaches.

That win remains a useful example of how TCU can succeed.

Koron Hayward recorded three sacks, and the Frogs kept Baylor out of the end zone.

Quarterback Jaden Craig threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Dwyer supplied 150 receiving yards.

TCU needs to reproduce that combination of defensive pressure and timely offense during its remaining five games.

Saturday’s 24-20 loss to West Virginia dropped the Frogs to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play. They need three more victories to reach six wins and conventional bowl eligibility.

The frustrating part is how close they have been. All four defeats have come by eight points or fewer.

Against West Virginia, TCU outgained the Mountaineers 484-265 but lost after a late red-zone strip sack.

Baylor’s final game under Aranda now becomes particularly relevant to TCU’s preparation. Kansas, which just beat the Bears, visits Fort Worth on Oct. 31.

That film offers the Frogs an immediate look at their next opponent’s ability to finish a close game.

The remaining schedule also includes trips to Arizona and Texas Tech, with home games against Kansas State and Utah. TCU has little room to waste another opportunity.

Beyond Saturdays, Baylor’s transition could give TCU an opening with recruits reconsidering their options. That is a potential benefit, however, rather than an established recruiting gain.

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Baylor’s next hire will help shape future editions of the rivalry. TCU’s current season hinges on turning competitive performances into wins.

The Frogs have already beaten Baylor. Their challenge now is making that victory part of a bowl season.