Baylor University has parted ways with head football coach Dave Aranda, ending his seven-year tenure after the program was on track for six wins or fewer for the fourth time in five seasons. Aranda, who won Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in 2021, was dismissed this past weekend, prompting a search for his successor ahead of the 2027 season. With Texas recruiting resources and a Power 4 conference spot, the Baylor job is considered one of the more attractive openings in college football.
Potential Candidates
G.J. Kinne, 38, head coach at Texas State, is a Texas native with a rapid rise through the ranks. He led Incarnate Word to a 12-2 record and FCS semifinals in 2022, averaging 581.2 yards and nearly 52 points per game. In his first year at Texas State (2023), Kinne guided the Bobcats to an 8-5 record and a First Responder Bowl victory. The program is on pace for its fourth consecutive winning season and bowl appearance under his leadership.
Jeff Traylor, 59, has built UTSA into a Conference USA powerhouse since taking over in 2021, winning two league titles and earning Coach of the Year twice. A lifelong Texas coach, Traylor spent over a decade at Gilmer High School before moving to college roles at Texas, SMU, and Arkansas. UTSA has posted two double-digit win seasons under his direction.
Dan Mullen, currently at UNLV, brings Power 5 experience with a .600 winning percentage at Mississippi State and .694 at Florida. He is 14-7 in his first 21 games at UNLV. Though lacking Texas ties, Mullen's offensive reputation and talent evaluation could make him an under-the-radar option for a program seeking immediate Big 12 contention.
Brent Vigen, 51, has dominated the FCS at Montana State, winning the 2024 national championship and earning FCS Coach of the Year. His background includes three consecutive FCS titles as offensive coordinator at North Dakota State (43-2 record from 2011-13). Hiring a successful FCS coach has recently paid off for programs like UCLA, Indiana, Houston, and New Mexico.
Lincoln Riley, still at USC as of late October 2026, is a Texas native who cut his teeth as an assistant under Mike Leach at Texas Tech (2003-2009). The 2015 Broyles Award winner and 2018 Big 12 Coach of the Year has struggled in the Big Ten but could find a better schematic fit and more realistic expectations in the Big 12. With College Football Playoff expansion looming, Riley might view Baylor as a quicker path back to playoff relevance.
