In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, CFP executive director Rich Clark stated that Rhoades “will step down from his role with the committee at this time for personal reasons.” In order to find a new chair, the CFP is probably going to try to replace Rhoades.
The announcement comes after reports surfaced of an altercation involving Rhoades, a Baylor player, and an assistant coach earlier this season, as per a report by Fox News.
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What led to Mack Rhoades’ sudden leave from Baylor?
Baylor University announced on Thursday that Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence “for personal reasons, effective November 12.” The university declined further comment, but the news follows reports of a tense incident between Rhoades and members of the football program.
“Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, effective November 12,” a statement from the school said. The University will decline to comment further at this time,” as per a report by USA Today. According to Yahoo Sports, Rhoades initiated the leave, which began Wednesday. The College Football Playoff (CFP) also confirmed that Rhoades would be stepping aside from his duties as chairman of the selection committee, reported USA Today.
What was the reported altercation involving Rhoades?
Multiple reports, including those from OutKick, describe a confrontation on Sept. 20 before Baylor’s game against Arizona State. Sources claim Rhoades approached tight end Michael Trigg on the sideline regarding his uniform, which included a yellow long-sleeved undershirt used to cover a shoulder brace, as per a report by Fox News and USA Today.
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Witnesses said Rhoades placed his hands on Trigg and asked, “what are you wearing that yellow shirt for?” Several assistants were reportedly nearby during the exchange. Later, Rhoades allegedly confronted an assistant coach, grabbing the coach’s arm, shoulder, and neck area while verbally accosting him in front of staff and family members, as per a report by Fox News.
OutKick reported that there is video evidence of the incident and that HR complaints were filed anonymously, prompting an internal investigation by the university.
How did Baylor respond to the investigation?
The university confirmed the investigation but did not deny the allegations when questioned. Sources said Rhoades expressed remorse for “his emotions getting the best of him,” and the school indicated that “appropriate actions were taken.”
Despite Rhoades’ public silence on the issue, the situation appeared to intensify in recent weeks. He skipped a major booster dinner on Wednesday night and made no mention of the investigation during his appearance on ESPN’s College Football Playoff rankings show earlier this week, as per a report by Fox News.
OutKick later reported that new allegations were presented to Baylor on Nov. 10, separate from Title IX, NCAA, or football-related matters.
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Rhoades, who has led Baylor athletics since 2016 after previous stints at Missouri, Houston, and Akron, leaves behind a significant leadership gap. Under his direction, Baylor expanded its athletic facilities and gained national recognition in multiple sports.
With his departure, Baylor has appointed Jovan Overshown and Cody Hall as co-interim athletic directors to oversee operations. Meanwhile, the CFP selection committee must also find a new chair with Rhoades stepping down. The committee had already been short a member this season after Randall McDaniel withdrew from participation.
Rhoades’ exit marks a turbulent period for both Baylor athletics and the College Football Playoff leadership. While the university and the CFP have both maintained discretion, the events leading up to Rhoades’ leave have drawn considerable attention from across the college sports world.
FAQs
Why is Mack Rhoades taking a leave of absence from Baylor?
Baylor said Rhoades is stepping away for personal reasons following an internal investigation.
What happens to his role with the College Football Playoff committee?
The College Football Playoff confirmed Rhoades will also step away as chairman.