The Shortlist: Candidates for Baylor's Next Defensive Coordinator
It came as a relative shock when it was announced that Ron Roberts would not return to Dave Aranda's Baylor staff. Ranking in the bottom third of the Big 12 in most defensive categories, though, called for a change.
So, that leaves us with one pressing question: who's next?
The following shortlist is based on Aranda's coaching tree, current successful defensive minds and downright crazy dreams that just might come true.
1. Gary Andersen | Analyst, Weber State
The 58-year-old Andersen is a big name in college football. Previously serving as the head coach at Utah State, Wisconsin and Oregon State, Andersen has a 63-70 record but a WAC title and Big Ten West Division title to his name. More importantly, Andersen hired Aranda at Utah State in 2012 and took the Bears' current headman to Wisconsin with him in 2013. The relationship is there, and Andersen helped jumpstart Aranda's career. Can Aranda revive Andersen's?
2. Corey Raymond | Cornerbacks, Florida
Raymond would be a home run hire. The former cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator at LSU, Raymond was in Baton Rouge during the entirety of Aranda's stint with the Tigers. His 2019 secondary at LSU forced opposing quarterbacks into an average of 18-35 for 223 yards and just 1.3 touchdown passes per game. The unit also nabbed 16 interceptions thanks to big names like Derek Stingley Jr. and Kristian Fulton.
3. Bill Busch | Interim Defensive Coordinator, Nebraska
Similar to the aforementioned candidates, Busch has been on stops along with Aranda. Busch coached safeties at Wisconsin from 2013-2014 and led the safeties group at LSU from 2018-2020. He led Grant Delpit to back-to-back first-team All-American seasons at LSU, including a Thorpe Award in 2019. He has worked under Urban Meyer, Ed Orgeron and Tom Osborne. He's also out at Nebraska, so he certainly is willing to take a job elsewhere.
4. Kevin Steele | Defensive Coordinator, Miami
Ok, here's where things get a little more outside the box. Steele, as you may remember, compiled a 9-37 record as the head coach of the Bears from 1999-2002. Since then, though, he has worked under Dabo Swinney, Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn. He was also quite successful as the interim head coach at both Auburn and Tennessee. He's cut his teeth in the SEC, but he's yet to cross paths with Aranda at any previous stops.
5. Gary Patterson | Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Texas
Alright, would you really hate it? The second Baylor beats TCU with Patterson calling the defensive shots, you will concede your pride. Patterson, a Kansas State graduate, spent over 20 years at TCU and owns 181 wins as a head coach. He has 11 bowl wins. Baylor has 14 in program history. Aranda was also born on Patterson's defensive scheme. He's always spoken very highly of the former Frog, and it won't be shocking if the call is made.
Dave Aranda has always followed Gary Patterson, even finding bootleg videos on his Hotmail account.
— Jack Allen KATV (@JackAllenTV) November 1, 2021
Aranda and #Baylor were supposed to square off with Patterson Saturday. Here's his reaction to the firing. #TCU #SicEm pic.twitter.com/DQmSosccoc
Whatever happens, it's good to know that Aranda is at the helm of this ship. The defensive mind that ultimately constructed the masterpiece that was the 2019 LSU Tigers, Aranda's championship pedigree is a selling point for any shining defensive star out there.
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Baylor Bears? Click Here
Follow Inside the Bears on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnBaylor today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Baylor Bears News? Check out the SI.com team page here
