While major moves in the Big 12 Conference have yet to happen with several head coaches under the microscope, three teams from the league were listed by On3 as programs to watch.
The three teams listed include Baylor, West Virginia, and UCF, for various different reasons spanning head coach to key coordinators on either side of the ball.
“Dave Aranda’s team has picked up three consecutive wins and is just one win away from bowl eligibility. Baylor is 5-4 and 3-3 in the Big 12,” On3’s Pete Nakos said. “Sources tell On3 that Aranda’s buyout is roughly $16 to $17 million. The Bears have also figured out their offense, finding their quarterback in Sawyer Robertson. Offensive coordinator Jacob Spavital has Baylor averaging 33.5 points and 419.3 points per game. The Bears rank No. 3 in the Big 12 in total offense.”
In addition to the head coaching position at Baylor, Nakos mentioned West Virginia and UCF, due to their lack of a defensive coordinator.
“Gus Malzahn’s contract runs through the 2027-28 season,” Nakos said. “The national championship-winning coach is not on the hot seat, but a change needed to be made as UCF allowed 75 combined points in back-to-back games earlier this season. The Knights also changed up offensive playcalling duties, with Tim Harris taking over. This search has not kicked into full gear.”
“West Virginia head coach Neal Brown fired defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley to give himself more time,” Nakos continued. “After saving his job in 2023 with a breakout 9-4 season, the Mountaineers are 4-4 and 3-2 in the Big 12 with four regular season games remaining. The coordinator change typically points to Brown getting another season in Morgantown. His buyout sits at $9.7 million.”
While the trio of teams are all expected to undergo some off-season changes upon the conclusion of the 2024 season, only time will tell which programs need to be examined under the microscope further.
