'Complex, Yet Simple': Why Desmond Howard Is High On Baylor's Dave Aranda
Dave Aranda isn’t like most coaches. The hard-nosed, brash and uptight demeanor most coaches carry isn’t a trait the third-year Baylor commander possesses.
Aranda often relies on metaphors and similes to get his message across. His calming voice makes it easy for reporters to float questions his way. He also carries the “treat others how you’d like to be treated” method when responding to those doubting his decision-making.
Aranda's coaching style might not work at programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, or Texas A&M. It might be frowned upon at schools such as Penn State and Michigan.
It does, however, work in Waco. And it’s why Aranda is committed to the program long-term.
“He’s such a complex individual, but like all great teachers, he’s able to make complex simple,” ESPN college football analyst Desmond Howard tells InsideTheBears.com. “That’s what pops into my mind when thinking of Dave Aranda.”
Howard, a Heisman Trophy winner and All-American at Michigan, can remember meeting with Aranda during his time as LSU’s defensive coordinator. The two would often break down schemes, personnel formations and player progression via film study.
It wasn’t the way he commanded the huddle that impressed Howard. It was his outlook on football in general. Some of the more challenging formations were made easy to break down in the huddle. The results spoke for themselves during the 2019 season.
LSU would go on to win the national title under the direction of Heisman quarterback Joe Burrow. Defensively, the Tigers finished top 50 in total defense (341.3 yards per game), run defense (119.6 yards per game) and scoring (21.2 points per game). Six defensive players were drafted a year later, including two in the first round.
The school might have changed, but Aranda hasn't. He's remained a constant in terms of his coaching and earns the respect of his players in the process. A year after going 2-7 in All-Big 12 action, Baylor rebounded for its best season in program history, going 12-2 with a Big 12 title and capping off the year with a Sugar Bowl victory over No. 7 Ole Miss.
Last offseason, multiple programs considered Arnada as a front-runner for their opening. USC and LSU were two schools that were highly interested. Oregon was another.
Aranda wasn’t looking to leave Waco. In large part, Howard believes that loyalty is a major factor in Aranda’s success.
“He sees the vision, and he wants to see it through,” Howard said. “He’s just that type of guy. He’s never come across as the guy chasing the bag.”
Howard is high on the Bears entering 2022. In his initial preseason College Football Playoff predictions, the analyst believes Baylor will finish second in the CFP rankings, trailing only fellow Texas-based school Texas A&M.
Despite winning the Big 12 last December, Baylor will have to come out the gate swinging. The Bears are replacing proven talent such as All-American defensive back Jalen Pitre, All-Big 12 linebacker Terrel Bernard, running back Abram Smith and receiver Tyquan Thornton. Baylor also will be starting fresh under center with quarterback Blake Shapen replacing Gerry Bohanon.
And the schedule has its trap games on the way to AT&T Stadium. In Week 2, the Bears travel to Provo to take on No. 25 BYU. Games against Texas, Oklahoma and West Virginia are away from McLane Stadium, thus putting a bigger target on Baylor’s back.
Howard isn’t phased by the loss of talent and rigorous schedule. Culture matters. So does coaching. And with Aranda at the helm, he can see the Bears fighting for their chance to make it to the national championship.
“He’s able to get his team to understand exactly what he wants from them,” Howard said. “He’s a great communicator. I like him a lot as a head coach.”
The Bears open the season Saturday at home against Albany.
Howard spoke with InsideTheBears.com on behalf of Modelo. For a chance to win the Most Fighting Spirit “salary” grand prize, Fans can visit modelousa.com/pages/collegefootball or scan QR codes found at bars and in-store nationally now through November 6, 2022, to enter.
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Cole Thompson is a sports writer and columnist covering the NFL and college sports for SI's Fan Nation. A 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama, follow him on Twitter @MrColeThompson