Baylor University and its longtime athletic director Mack Rhoades are ending their professional relationship after nine years, sources confirmed to CBS Sports reporters Matt Norlander and Matt Zenitz. Rhoades, who recently stepped down as chair and member of the College Football Playoff Committee, had been placed on a personal leave of absence earlier this month. However, the initial 28-day leave quickly evolved into a formal separation agreement, allowing both parties to part ways sooner than expected.
The university announced an internal investigation into Rhoades earlier this week, which did not involve Baylor’s football program or a previously reported incident with tight end Michael Trigg. Instead, the probe centers on an alleged personal matter that is believed to violate both Rhoades' contract and the university's code of ethics, according to a Baylor spokesperson and multiple sources. While specific details of the incident have not been publicly disclosed, it was serious enough for the school to engage in discussions with Rhoades about a formal separation that have been ongoing for about a week.
This development marks a significant turning point for Baylor’s athletic department, which has not had to search for a new athletic director since 2016. With Rhoades’ departure now official, Baylor is free to begin a nationwide search for his successor. This leadership change comes at a critical time for the university, as it simultaneously faces uncertainty around the future of its football program and head coach Dave Aranda.
Aranda, in his sixth year as Baylor’s head coach, is currently navigating a disappointing season. The Bears stand at 5-5 after a crushing 55-27 loss to No. 12 Utah, a defeat that effectively dashed hopes of contending for the Big 12 title this year. The team is projected to be underdogs in its final two games, raising the very real possibility of a losing season. If Baylor finishes with a losing record, it would mark the fourth time in six years under Aranda’s leadership—a performance that has put significant pressure on the coach and made his seat one of the hottest in college football.
The timing of the athletic director’s departure and the ongoing coaching uncertainties are deeply intertwined. By securing a formal separation with Rhoades, Baylor gains greater flexibility in deciding the football program’s future. The Bears’ final game of the season is scheduled for November 29, which gives the university a window to make an informed decision regarding Aranda while also conducting a thorough search for new athletic department leadership. Should Baylor decide to part ways with Aranda, having a new athletic director already in place would provide stable leadership during the transition and the subsequent coaching search.
Rhoades’ tenure at Baylor was marked by both challenges and successes. He assumed the role of athletic director following a tumultuous period for Baylor athletics, which included a major Title IX scandal under former university president Ken Starr and former football coach Art Briles. The scandal also led to the resignation of then-athletic director Ian McCaw. Rhoades was tasked with restoring the department’s reputation and stability. During his time, he made significant hires, including football coaches Matt Rhule and Dave Aranda. Both coaches led Baylor to notable successes, including appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl.
However, Rhoades’ time at Baylor was not without controversy. Earlier this season, he was involved in an incident with tight end Michael Trigg related to a uniform issue. According to a report from The Athletic, Rhoades took exception to Trigg wearing a long-sleeved gold undershirt that differed in color from the rest of the team’s attire. During the first quarter of a game, Rhoades allegedly grabbed Trigg and used an expletive while questioning him about the shirt. This incident led to a heated confrontation between Rhoades and head coach Dave Aranda, as well as a confrontation with Trigg’s position coach, Jarrett Anderson. Ultimately, that matter was closed without further action.
The recent investigation and subsequent departure of Rhoades represent a separate and more serious issue than the earlier uniform incident. The university emphasized that the current probe is unrelated to football or any on-field matters, instead focusing on an alleged personal violation of ethics and contractual obligations. The swift resolution of Rhoades’ leave into a formal separation indicates the seriousness with which Baylor is addressing the situation.
For Baylor, the timing of these developments could not be more pivotal. The football program entered the 2023 season with