Baylor University’s athletic director, Mack Rhoades, is taking a leave of absence from his role at the school as well as from his position as chairman of the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee. According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, Rhoades made the decision himself, citing “personal reasons.” The leave officially began on November 12.
With Rhoades stepping away, the CFP committee now has 11 active members instead of the usual 13. Another member, Randall McDaniel, had also taken a leave earlier this year for personal reasons.
The reason behind Rhoades’ leave has not been made public, but Baylor confirmed that it has launched an internal investigation after receiving new allegations. Reports indicate that these allegations are unrelated to an earlier university investigation into Rhoades and do not involve Title IX, NCAA violations, or direct interactions with student-athletes.
Earlier this fall, Rhoades was investigated following an alleged altercation with a football player, tight end Michael Trigg, as well as an assistant coach, before Baylor’s September 20 game against Arizona State. According to Outkick, Rhoades confronted Trigg about his undershirt before the game and later verbally confronted a coach after the match. Baylor reviewed the situation, took what it described as “appropriate actions,” and considered that matter closed. Rhoades reportedly expressed regret for his behaviour at that time.
However, Outkick reports that new, unrelated allegations surfaced on November 10, just days before Rhoades began his leave. Baylor issued a brief statement confirming his absence:
“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, effective November 12. The University will decline to comment further at this time.”
Rhoades, who has led Baylor’s athletic department since 2016, has been credited with stabilising the program and improving its national profile. His temporary departure comes at a sensitive time for both Baylor and the College Football Playoff committee as the postseason selection process intensifies.
For now, the details of the new investigation remain confidential, and it is unclear when Rhoades will return to his duties.