Doug McNamee, Baylor's new athletic director, has not set a specific win total for head coach Dave Aranda to maintain his position beyond the 2026 season. Instead, McNamee stressed the significance of building momentum and enhancing support for the football program.
In comments reported by CBS Sports, McNamee remarked, "Everybody wants to say, well, what’s the magic number? I genuinely am not playing coy when I would say it’s not about the numbers. It’s the momentum; it’s the feel, and it’s the vibe around the program."
As Aranda enters his seventh season, McNamee's statements clarify the expectations for the coach. While no ultimatum was issued, McNamee pointed out the necessity for Aranda and the team to cultivate a competitive atmosphere within the Big 12 and adapt to the changing landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
He called for a stronger commitment from supporters, urging them to engage by attending games and contributing to NIL initiatives. McNamee stated, "We need greater commitment and investment from our constituency, both in as simple as passive as watching the game on TV and being in the stadium, to as explicit and as involved as making significant financial support."
Aranda's current record at Baylor is 36-37, following a notable 2021 season that featured a Big 12 championship. However, the team has faced challenges since then, recording a 22-28 mark and three losing seasons in the last four years, including a 5-7 finish in 2025.
McNamee, who took over the athletic department in December, will evaluate Aranda's performance fully in 2026. As the season approaches, which starts on September 5 against Auburn, McNamee has made it clear that progress and belief in the program are essential for continued support and investment. He noted, "I need a story to write to make that a compelling story.
