BYU's Path to Redemption, Utah's Wild Rise, Mike Gundy Wants Baylor Job

With Dave Aranda officially out in Waco, Baylor Athletic Director Doug McNamee faces a defining choice for the future of the program. Moving past Aranda’s quiet, analytical tenure demands a clear shift in direction—and bringing in Mike Gundy would instantly reshape the culture at McLane Stadium.

Gundy’s head coaching profile in the Big 12 speaks for itself. Over two decades at Oklahoma State, he established a baseline of consistency, toughness, and offensive firepower. His teams were defined by developmental discipline, routinely turning unheralded recruits into high-level college starters and NFL draft picks. For a Baylor program looking to regain an edge in a wide-open, expanded conference, Gundy’s track record of winning 160-plus games in this specific league offers an undeniable floor of stability.

However, the fit presents obvious complexities. Gundy spent his entire head coaching life in Stillwater, rooted in a specific operational style. Adapting to Waco’s administration, modern roster building, and NIL landscape would require seamless alignment with local decision-makers. Furthermore, after a turbulent end to his tenure at Oklahoma State, questions remain about how his high-profile personality would mesh with Baylor’s institutional priorities.

Still, from a purely football standpoint, the logic is sound. Aranda’s cerebral approach often lacked the edge needed during high-stress Big 12 Saturdays. Gundy brings a proven scheme, an established recruiting footprint across Texas, and a history of competing for conference titles.

If Baylor prioritizes immediate, battle-tested leadership over taking a gamble on an unproven coordinator, making a run at Gundy would send a clear message: the Bears are ready to re-establish themselves as a weekly heavyweight in the Big 12.

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