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. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. WayfairTransform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. ULTRA POUCHESDon’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. 5-Hour ENERGY Treat yourself to a crisp apple bite and smooth caramel delight with a Caramel Apple 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot, only available online for a limited time at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
