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USC Football: Trojans Apparently Missing Out On Embattled Big 12 Coach

Originally posted on FanNation All Trojans
By Martand Bhagavatula | Last updated 11/27/23

In USC's search for a defensive coordinator, a name that's been atop lists since the 2021 head coaching search is current Baylor HC Dave Aranda.

A defensive-minded coach, Aranda put together a 12-2 season for the Bears in 2021, leading them to a win in the Sugar Bowl. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator for the 2019 National Champion LSU Tigers.

His name has seemingly exited USC's defensive coordinator search, however, as USC insider Ryan Kartje reports that because Aranda will be retained at Baylor, he won't be leaving the program to take a lesser role in Southern California.

Aranda might have been an option for USC, if he was fired at Baylor. But he’ll stay on as the Bears head coach https://t.co/6yOaSHtvnY
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) November 26, 2023

This doesn't permanently eliminate him from future consideration, however, as Aranda being 9-16 since the start of last season suggests that he has immense pressure on him to get things together ahead of the 2024 campaign. With a presumably short leash, another middling season could lead to his firing and return to USC's radar.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Trojans and was syndicated with permission.

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