Report: Dave Aranda emerging as top candidate for USC, Washington

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is reportedly emerging as a serious candidate for the USC and Washington head coach positions, both of which have become open this season. According to Bruce Feldman on Fox Big Noon Kickoff, USC and Washington are both “intrigued” by the prospects of hiring Aranda.

Aranda doesn’t have a ton of experience as a head coach, as he is in just his second year at Baylor. He spent time at multiple schools as a defensive coordinator before getting the Baylor job, including Wisconsin and LSU. Baylor was just 2-7 last season in Aranda’s first year, but with the team now 8-2 this season, his stock is rising and catching the attention of schools like USC.

“Back in September, Dave Aranda had a career coaching record of 4-7,” Feldman said. “Well, now we’re in late November. Baylor is 8-2. They’re coming off a showcase win where they put down Lincoln Riley’s offense and OU. Aranda’s coaching stock has gotten really high. I am told both USC and Washington are very intrigued by Aranda.

“Keep in mind, Aranda has west coast roots. He grew up about an hour away from USC and has a lot of family still here.”

Feldman on Aranda’s candidacy at USC: ‘He’s going to be very careful’

While Aranda’s stock is rising and reportedly intriguing to USC, Feldman notes that he is going to be careful when deciding whether or not to take on a new job. Feldman calls Aranda “very self aware,” so he will take some time to consider the opportunity if it presents itself.

“One other thing though, he realizes and is very self aware that he may not be an ideal fit in certain settings, so he’s going to be very careful about what his next move is,” said Feldman. “Things figure to get real interesting over the next couple of weeks in Waco.”

Baylor has been great this season under Aranda. The Bears are 8-2 and coming off of a huge win over a previously undefeated Oklahoma team. With Oklahoma and Oklahoma State set to face off in the final week of the regular season, Baylor might not be done making noise in the Big 12 this season. The Bears take on Kansas State and Texas Tech over the final two weeks of the regular season.

Many other names have been linked to the USC opening in addition to Aranda, including Penn State head coach James Franklin and Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell.

USC is currently 4-5 on the season. The Trojans take on UCLA on Saturday before hosting BYU next week.