Baylor is expected to hire Jake Spavital as its next offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The news was first reported by David Smoak of Sic 'Em 365.
Spavital is currently the offensive coordinator at Cal, but the Tulsa native has plenty of experience in the Big 12 and within the region. The former Missouri State quarterback coached previously at Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Texas A&M, and spent 2019-22 as the head coach at Texas State.
The Spavital hiring, Dave Aranda's third offensive coordinator in what will be five seasons along the Brazos River, represents a stark departure from Baylor's previous offensive style.
Following a 2-7 debut in 2020, Aranda made a sharp right turn from Larry Fedora's offensive vision. Hiring Jeff Grimes, Baylor utilized the wide zone to leap from 123rd to ninth in yards per carry over the course of one season. That improvement saw the Bears go from two wins to 12 as the won the Big 12 and the Sugar Bowl, finishing No. 5 in the AP poll.
However, the success of the wide zone wore off after 2021. Baylor went 6-7 in 2022 and 3-9 this past season, tying for 11th in the 14-team Big 12.
The passing game will be a renewed emphasis under Spavital. Baylor has finished higher than fifth in passing efficiency in the Big 12 once in the past eight seasons; the Bears were 11th in 2023, and their 15 touchdown passes were 13th in the league.
Furthermore, quarterback Blake Shapen announced his intent to transfer on Tuesday, so Spavital figures to be active in the portal.
On the other side of the ball, Aranda will take over defensive play-calling duties while coordinator Matt Powledge will remain on staff.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.