Florida Football: 4 head coaches who could return Gators to top of SEC

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Nov 6, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda calls a timeout during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dave Aranda

I’ve become a big believer in Dave Aranda this year and it’s not difficult to see why. He’s been a fantastic boost to the Baylor football program after it lost Matt Rhule. Not often can you go from one coach who leads you to a New Year’s Six bowl to another who has you in Big 12 title contention and ranked in the top-10 range so seamlessly.

Aranda has been a godsend for Baylor, going just 2-7 in his first year but flipping the script in 2021 and going 9-2 through 11 games. He’s got the Bears in prime position to make a New Year’s Six bowl and follow in Rhule’s footsteps.

Unfortunately for Baylor, it’s going to have a tough time trying to keep him in Waco. Just like Rhule, his instant success is going to lead to a handful of potential suitors and I think both LSU and Florida are going to be inquiring about him this offseason.

LSU may have a better chance to land him because Aranda was the defensive coordinator there under Ed Orgeron and even won the national title in 2019 before leaving for Baylor. His familiarity with that program could be enough to lure him there.

But Florida could make a push as well. He would flourish in Gainesville with all of those resources and updated facilities.

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