Baylor AD Mack Rhoades Steps Down from College Football Playoff Role Amid Leave

Baylor University athletic director Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence. The school confirmed the move is for personal reasons. Rhoades will also step down as chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The university is conducting an internal investigation. According to reports from CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports, the probe involves allegations of a violation of the faith-based university’s policies. These allegations are separate from a recent incident involving a player’s uniform.

Investigation Details and University Response

Baylor officials provided some clarity on the situation. According to ESPN, the allegations do not involve Title IX, student welfare, or NCAA rules. They also confirmed the matter is unrelated to the football program itself.

The leave of absence became effective on November 12. Jovan Overshown and Cody Hall will manage the athletic department in Rhoades’s absence. The university has stated it will not comment further at this time.

Timing Creates Major Complications

Rhoades’s departure comes at a critical moment. He was leading the committee that will determine the final College Football Playoff bracket next month. His absence creates an immediate leadership vacuum in that high-profile role.

The timing also impacts Baylor football directly. Coach Dave Aranda’s future with the program is uncertain. Rhoades was tasked with evaluating Aranda’s tenure as the team holds a 5-4 record late in the season.

The situation leaves a major void in college athletics leadership. The departure of Mack Rhoades impacts both a national playoff and a crucial internal decision at Baylor. The outcome of the internal investigation will be closely watched.

Info at your fingertips

What is Mack Rhoades being investigated for?

Baylor is investigating a violation of its faith-based policies. The specific details have not been publicly disclosed. The university confirmed it is not related to Title IX or NCAA rules.

Who is replacing Mack Rhoades at Baylor?

Jovan Overshown and Cody Hall are overseeing the athletic department. Overshown is the deputy athletic director and COO. Hall is the executive senior associate AD for internal administration.

Is this related to the Baylor uniform incident?

No, the investigation is unrelated to that event. The uniform incident involved a player in a game against Arizona State. These are separate matters entirely.

How does this affect the College Football Playoff?

Rhoades has stepped down as selection committee chair. The committee must now finalize the playoff bracket without its leader. A new chair will be appointed for the final rankings.

What does this mean for Dave Aranda’s job?

The timing complicates the evaluation of the football coach. Rhoades was the key decision-maker regarding Aranda’s future. His absence adds uncertainty to the coaching situation.