Baylor's athletic director, Doug McNamee, has not set a specific win total for head coach Dave Aranda to meet in order to keep his job beyond the 2026 season. Instead, McNamee stressed the significance of building momentum and enhancing support for the football program.
In comments shared by CBS Sports college football writer Shehan Jeyarajah, McNamee remarked that the focus should not solely be on numbers. He stated, "It’s the momentum, the feel, and the vibe around the program."
As Aranda enters his seventh season, McNamee highlighted the need for the football program to be competitive within the Big 12 and to adapt to the changing environment regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. He urged supporters to engage more actively, whether by attending games or contributing financially to NIL initiatives and scholarships.
Aranda's current record at Baylor is 36-37, following a successful 2021 season that featured a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl win. However, the team has faced challenges since then, with a record of 22-28 and three losing seasons in the last four years, including a 5-7 finish in 2025.
Having taken the helm of the athletic department in December, McNamee will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Aranda's performance in 2026. As the upcoming season approaches, which starts on September 5 against Auburn, McNamee has made it clear that progress and a strong program atmosphere are essential for continued support and investment.
