Mack Rhoades, the athletic director at Baylor University, is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, as confirmed by the university and reports from insider Ross Dellenger. Rhoades, who also served as the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee, will step down from that role effective November 12.
While the school offered limited details, they acknowledged Rhoades’ leave in a statement. “Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence for personal reasons,” the statement read, and the university did not provide further comments on the matter.
Rhoades’ leave comes in light of recent controversies. He was under investigation regarding two interactions with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg and an unnamed assistant coach during a loss to Arizona State on September 20. However, Dellenger noted that the current leave of absence is not directly linked to these incidents. Instead, it pertains to an unrelated investigation into separate allegations against Rhoades, which do not involve Title IX matters or interactions with athletes.
Having assumed his role as Baylor’s AD in 2016, Rhoades has over 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, previously serving at notable institutions such as Missouri, Houston, and Akron. It is noteworthy that Baylor University has indicated their support for Rhoades, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring a respectful environment for student-athletes and staff. The university expressed its anticipation for Rhoades’ continued leadership amidst these challenges.
This situation represents a moment of transition for both Rhoades and Baylor’s athletic department, but with a focus on accountability and growth, there remains hope for a positive resolution.