Baylor athletic director Doug McNamee has refrained from specifying a win total that head coach Dave Aranda must achieve to retain his position beyond the 2026 season. Instead, McNamee emphasized the importance of restoring momentum and garnering broader support for the football program.
In comments shared by CBS Sports college football writer Shehan Jeyarajah, McNamee stated, "It’s not about the numbers. It’s the momentum; it’s the feel, and it’s the vibe around the program." This marks one of the clearest indications of the expectations facing Aranda as he enters his seventh season with the Bears.
While McNamee did not issue an ultimatum, he highlighted the need for Aranda and the football program to create a competitive environment within the Big 12 and adapt to the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. He noted the necessity for increased commitment from fans, whether through attendance or financial support for scholarships and resources.
Aranda's tenure at Baylor has produced a record of 36-37. Following a successful 2021 season that included a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory, the Bears have struggled, posting a 22-28 record with three losing seasons in the past four years. They finished 5-7 in 2025, failing to qualify for a bowl game after a disappointing end to the season.
McNamee took over the athletic department in December, after Baylor had already confirmed Aranda's return amid a leadership transition. University President Linda Livingstone indicated that the new athletic director would need time to evaluate the program's long-term direction, making 2026 McNamee's first full assessment of Aranda's performance.
