Robert Griffin III Eyes Baylor Bears Head Coaching Job After Dave Aranda’s Firing

Robert Griffin III says he's "100%" ready to coach the Baylor Bears after Dave Aranda's firing.© Image via: X/@danfetes

Baylor University barely had time to empty the head coach's office before a famous name walked in. Robert Griffin III, the Heisman Trophy winner who once lit up Waco, wants the job. He said so on national radio with zero hedging. The Baylor Bears fired Dave Aranda after a 25-24 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks, and the search is already loud. Griffin has opinions on the school, the rivals and the possible finalists. A few of them might surprise you.

Robert Griffin III Makes His Case To Coach The Baylor Bears

Dan Patrick did not dance around it. He asked Griffin straight up if he wanted to coach his alma mater. "Yes, 100%," Griffin said. Then he explained why, and the pitch had little to do with schemes.

"If Baylor wants to get back to winning and have a university that isn't just respectable on the football field, but one the fans can be proud of, they need people who know what it looks like to win at Baylor."

The BYU-UCF game is the MOST INSANE finish to a football game I have ever seen. Everything that could happen did happen. So blessed to be on the call with @ConnorOnion , @alexalandestoy and our incredible crew behind the camera. THIS IS WHY WE LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL. WHAT A GAME! https://t.co/rrp4e1gAQ6

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 25, 2026

Griffin says he has already talked with athletic director Doug McNamee. The résumé has a gap, though. He passed for 10,366 yards and 78 touchdowns in Waco, then went second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Today he works as a FOX analyst and has never been a head coach. His frustration is easy to hear. "I'm just tired of seeing Baylor be the stepping stone or the stepchild to all these other teams," Griffin added. "We should be back on top."

Why Dave Aranda Lost His Job And Who Else Could Replace Him

Aranda finished 40-40 in seven seasons. Because his 2022 extension ran through 2029, Yahoo's Ross Dellenger reports the buyout sits near $12 million. Close games hurt him most. Baylor lost to the Auburn Tigers 17-16, fell to the TCU Horned Frogs 17-6, then dropped the Kansas game, which ended a 14-game series winning streak that began in 2007. All three defeats came by a combined 13 points.

McNamee kept his tone respectful but firm. "We believe a change in leadership is necessary at this time for our program." Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman now serves as interim coach, with games at BYU, home against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and a trip to Houston ahead.

Griffin also named alternatives. Spencer Danielson of the Boise State Broncos earned this praise: "I think he is a top-notch guy, top-notch coach and knows how to win." He called Jeff Traylor of the UTSA Roadrunners "a great option." His dark horse is Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans. "But I think that would be a move that would be advantageous for both parties," Griffin said. "You don't have to have experience coaching at the highest level to be successful."

Baylor will not search alone. Maryland has parted ways with Mike Locksley, and NC State has done the same with Dave Doeren. Every open program will chase the same short list of names.