Report: Baylor AD, College Football Playoff chair Mack Rhoades taking leave of absence from school

Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence from his duties with the Bears for personal reasons, according to Yahoo! Sports insider Ross Dellenger. Rhoades, who was serving as the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee, has now decided to step down from that role.

Baylor later confirmed Rhoades’ leave of absence in a statement. The school declined further comment.

“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, effective November 12,” Baylor’s statement read, per On3‘s Pete Nakos. “The University will decline to comment further at this time.”

This decision comes on the heels of an OutKick report last week. In that, Rhoades was reportedly under investigation for a pair of troubling interactions with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg and an unnamed Bears assistant coach during the Sept. 20 home loss to Arizona State.

But Dellenger revealed Rhoades’ decision to take a leave of absence is unrelated to the Sept. 20 incidents. Instead, it stems from another ongoing Baylor investigation into completely different allegations involving Rhoades, but these new allegations “do not involve Title IX or any direct interaction with a Baylor athlete,” according to Dellenger.

The 60-year-old Rhoades has served as Baylor’s AD since 2016. He has been an FBS athletic director for the past two decades, including at Missouri (2015-16), Houston (2009-15) and Akron (2006-09).

Report: Baylor AD, CFP Chair Mack Rhoades investigated for sideline incident with star TE Michael Trigg, assistant coach

According to a report by OutKick‘s Trey Wallace, Rhoades was previously under investigation from the school after two different incidents involving Trigg and a Baylor football assistant. Both reportedly occurred during the Sept. 20 loss to Arizona State. 

“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.” 

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.