Baylor’s Dave Aranda, Colorado’s Deion Sanders Among Coaches with Tenuous Job Status
As college football teams approach the midpoint of the 2025 season, a number of high-profile head coaches find themselves under intense scrutiny due to underwhelming team performances. Among those facing uncertain futures are Baylor’s Dave Aranda and Colorado’s Deion Sanders, two coaches who have experienced both highs and lows but now face mounting pressure from fans, boosters, and university leadership.
Dave Aranda, who took over Baylor’s football program in 2020, initially brought hope and excitement to the Bears’ fan base. After a breakout 2021 season where Baylor reached the Big 12 Championship game, expectations soared. However, inconsistency on the field and struggles in conference play this season have led to growing dissatisfaction. Baylor currently sits near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, and critics argue that Aranda has failed to build sustained momentum after his early success.
Despite a solid reputation as a defensive-minded coach and a strong recruiting network, Aranda’s job appears increasingly fragile. Reports suggest that Baylor’s athletic department is evaluating all options heading into the offseason. While no official decision has been made, whispers of potential coaching changes have circulated among insiders, especially if the team fails to show improvement in the remaining games.
Meanwhile, at the University of Colorado, Deion Sanders—affectionately known as “Coach Prime”—also finds himself in a precarious position. Hired in late 2023 to revive a struggling Buffaloes program, Sanders brought tremendous media attention and enthusiasm to Boulder. His charismatic personality and NFL pedigree energized the team and fan base alike. However, the Buffaloes have faced numerous challenges, including internal team issues and inconsistent performance on the field.
While Sanders helped guide Colorado to some memorable victories early in his tenure, recent losses and reports of locker room discord have raised questions about his long-term fit with the program. The university’s administration remains publicly supportive but quietly monitors progress as expectations grow for tangible results.
Sanders’ coaching style, which emphasizes a strong culture and player development, has earned admiration, but skeptics wonder if it will translate into sustained success against tough Pac-12 competition. With Colorado’s season hanging in the balance, Sanders’ future depends heavily on the team’s performance over the next few games.
The situations facing Aranda and Sanders reflect a broader trend in college football where coaching patience is wearing thin, and programs demand immediate results. Athletic directors are under pressure to balance stability with competitiveness, knowing that coaching changes can disrupt recruiting and team chemistry but may also be necessary to meet fan and stakeholder expectations.
As the season continues, both Baylor and Colorado will face critical moments that could determine whether these coaches remain at the helm or give way to new leadership. For Aranda and Sanders, the coming weeks could prove pivotal—not just for their careers, but for the direction of their programs moving forward.
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