Baylor expected to announce Mack Rhoades departure from his role

Baylor is expected to announce the departure of athletic director Mack Rhoades soon, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. Rhoades took a leave of absence for “personal reasons” earlier this month.

Rhoades was previously under investigation after he had a controversial interaction with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg and an unnamed football coach during the Bears’ loss to Arizona State on Sept. 20. OutKick‘s Trey Wallace first reported on this investigation.

“More than a month ago, Baylor University received reports of an incident involving Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades,” Baylor told OutKick in a statement. “These reports were thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with University policies, appropriate actions were taken, and the matter is now closed. 

“Mr. Rhoades has expressed regret over his emotions and recognizes his conduct at that moment was not reflective of our Christian mission and values. Mr. Rhoades is an important part of our Baylor Family, and we look forward to his continued leadership of our Athletics Department. We remain committed to ensuring a respectful and accountable environment for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.”

Rhoades has been Baylor’s athletic director since 2016. He’s also served as AD at Missouri, Houston and Akron. Rhoades also stepped down from his role as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee.

He is the second member of the usual 13-member CFP selection committee to step away this season. In mid-October, Arizona State alum Randall McDaniel also left the committee for personal reasons.

On Thursday, the College Football Playoff commissioners filled the committee’s two open seats. Utah athletic director Mark Harland is to replace McDaniel, while Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek will serve as the CFP selection committee’s new chairman.

As of this report, Baylor football is 5-5. Most recently, the Bears fell in a 55-28 blowout loss against Utah. When Baylor head coach Dave Aranda was asked about the previous investigation into Mack Rhoades earlier this month, he dodged the question.

“That’s an HR deal. That’s above my pay grade,” Aranda said. “The team is in a good spot, energy-wise, in a good spot, focus-wise. It’s going to take our best to put up a fight.”