Baylor Football Is in Trouble: Can the Bears Survive Without a Head Coach

WACO, Texas (TXAN 24) — Baylor football is staring at the abyss, and the timing could hardly be worse. The Bears are dealing with a coaching shake-up, back-to-back losses and growing pressure to prove their season was not a waste of University money.

The questionable dismissal of Dave Aranda following Baylor’s 25-24 loss to Kansas has put the program at a crossroads. Now—Joe Klanderman has taken over as interim head coach, but a change in leadership does not automatically fix the problems that led to the decision in the first place.

Now, Baylor must prepare for Iowa State with its season hanging in the balance.

The Bears have already shown how quickly a game can get away from them. Losing to Kansas after holding a second-half lead raised serious questions about their players ability to finish. The defeat came on the heels of a loss to TCU, leaving Baylor searching for answers at precisely the wrong time.

And the schedule offers little sympathy.

Iowa State will enter the Baylor matchup in the same position as the team from Waco—if not worse. The last thing Waco wants is a lost to a struggling team while Baylor is trying to find stability after a major program change.

The question is simply whether Baylor has enough talent to compete and whether the Bears can execute consistently, respond to adversity and establish accountability when the leadership structure has just changed. If this season is any indicator—that won’t happen.

Klanderman inherits a team that needs more than a new voice on the sideline. Baylor needs answers, discipline and results.

There is no guarantee that a coaching change will spark an immediate turnaround. If the Bears repeat the mistakes that cost them against Kansas, the transition could become another chapter in a season that has failed to meet expectations.