Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, a university spokesperson confirmed to The Dallas Morning News Thursday. Rhoades also stepped down as chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
He began his leave Wednesday, a day after the weekly CFP rankings were released.
Baylor’s Deputy AD and COO Jovan Overshown and Executive Senior Associate AD and CFO Cody Hall have been designated as co-interim ADs.
A university spokesperson told The News Rhoades’ leave is unrelated to a sideline incident that occurred with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg during the Bears’ Sept. 20 game against Arizona State.
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Rhoades took issue with a gold, long-sleeved shirt Trigg wore during the game where Baylor wore black jerseys and reportedly grabbed Trigg by the shirt on the sidelines and used an expletive while questioning why he was wearing it. The incident led to a heated exchange involving Rhoades, head coach Dave Aranda and tight ends coach Jarrett Anderson.
Baylor is conducting an investigation into separate allegations, which the university was made aware of on Nov. 10, a spokesperson told The News. The allegations do not involve Title IX violations, NCAA rule violations, student welfare or the football program. The university declined to comment further on the nature of the allegations.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger later reported, however, that the allegations are related to a violation of the faith-based university’s policies and practices.
Utah AD Mark Harlan was appointed to the CFP Selection Committee to replace Rhoades. Harlan previously served a one-year term during the 2023 season.
“We are deeply appreciative of Mack Rhoades’ leadership and service as Chair of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee this season,” said CFP Executive Director Rich Clark in a statement.
“Mack has informed us of his decision to step down for personal reasons, and our thoughts are with him and his family during this time.”
Additionally, the CFP Management Committee appointed Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek as its new selection committee chair for the remainder of the 2025 football season.
Rhoades was hired at Baylor in July 2016 after the university fired football coach Art Briles in the wake of the school’s sexual assault scandal.
During Rhoades’ tenure, Baylor won national championships in women’s and men’s basketball in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Baylor football also won the Big 12 championship in 2021.
In 2022, Rhoades agreed to a 10-year contract extension with Baylor.
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