Dave Aranda's tenure at Baylor peaked in 2021, when the Bears won a program-record 12 games, captured the Big 12 championship and claimed a Sugar Bowl victory. Nearly five years later, he was fired following Saturday's 25-24 loss at Kansas, finishing his six-plus seasons in Waco with a 40-40 record.

Baylor's decline can't be traced to a single mistake, but several of Aranda's decisions played a role in the program's inability to sustain its success. Some made sense at the time but ultimately backfired, while others were mistakes he later acknowledged.

Here are five of the most questionable decisions of Aranda's Baylor tenure.

1. Being Slow to Embrace the Transfer Portal

Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Baylor Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13) against the Arizona Wildcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.…