Baylor Athletic Director Mack Rhoades to Step Down

Baylor University is preparing for a significant leadership change in its athletic department. Athletic director Mack Rhoades, who previously served as chair of the College Football Playoff committee, is set to step down from his role at Baylor. The news was first reported Thursday by college football insider Pete Thamel on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to sources, Rhoades is currently on leave for personal reasons, and both parties plan to announce his immediate departure.

Rhoades has been a pivotal figure in rebuilding Baylor athletics following the tumultuous aftermath of the Art Briles scandal. He was instrumental in hiring Matt Rhule as football head coach, a move that helped stabilize and elevate the program before Rhule departed for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Rhoades later brought in Dave Aranda from LSU, giving the Bears a new direction on the football field. His tenure has been marked by strategic hires and efforts to restore Baylor’s reputation both on and off the field.

Beyond football, Rhoades’ influence has extended to the men’s basketball program under Scott Drew, who is entering his 23rd season as head coach. Drew’s team has started the season 3-0, including victories over UT Rio Grande Valley, Washington, and Tarleton State. While the program has seen fluctuations since its 2020-21 national championship, Rhoades’ leadership provided consistency and direction across all sports.

The question now facing Baylor is how the athletic department will transition under new leadership. Rhoades leaves behind a program that has been stabilized and poised for continued success, but the next athletic director will inherit the responsibility of maintaining momentum in both football and basketball while evaluating the broader athletic portfolio.

1. Leadership Changes on the Horizon

Rhoades’ departure marks the end of a critical chapter for Baylor athletics. His tenure coincided with a period of rebuilding, particularly in football, where the program recovered from years of controversy and uncertainty. Hiring Matt Rhule and later Dave Aranda were key moves that reinforced the program’s credibility nationally. Both coaches were tasked with restoring Baylor’s competitiveness, and their successes reflect Rhoades’ vision. The men’s basketball program has also benefited from Rhoades’ oversight. Scott Drew, a veteran coach with two decades at Baylor, has provided stability and sustained competitiveness. While the program has not consistently matched the heights of the 2020-21 championship season, Drew’s leadership has ensured that Baylor remains a relevant force in college basketball. With Rhoades leaving, the university will face decisions not only about its football and basketball programs but also about its broader athletics strategy. This includes evaluating other coaching positions, facilities, and recruitment strategies to maintain a strong presence in the competitive Big 12. The timing of Rhoades’ exit also adds urgency. The Big 12 is undergoing shifts in its competitive landscape, and Baylor will need leadership capable of navigating a wide-open conference while keeping the program on track for postseason opportunities.

2. Football Program Under Aranda

Under head coach Dave Aranda, Baylor football has been competitive but inconsistent this season. The Bears currently hold a 5-5 record overall and are 3-4 in Big 12 play. Aranda’s defensive expertise has been evident, and the team has shown flashes of potential, but sustaining success remains a challenge in a highly competitive conference. Rhoades’ hiring choices have laid the groundwork for Aranda’s tenure, and the program’s trajectory will now be closely tied to the direction of the athletic department. The next athletic director will have to weigh Aranda’s performance and make key decisions regarding the future of the program. Recruiting, player development, and staff retention will be central to maintaining the program’s upward momentum. Baylor’s football program has the talent and resources to compete at a high level, but leadership changes inevitably create uncertainty in both short- and long-term planning. How Baylor navigates these challenges will be critical to determining whether the program can continue its rise or risks losing ground in the Big 12 hierarchy.

3. Basketball and Broader Athletics Outlook

Scott Drew’s basketball program has started strong this season, signaling that stability remains in place despite leadership changes. The team’s early 3-0 record reflects careful preparation and veteran leadership, though questions about sustaining success beyond non-conference play remain. Rhoades’ departure also raises broader questions for Baylor athletics. Beyond football and basketball, other programs will be evaluated under new leadership, including Olympic sports and academic integration for student-athletes. Balancing competitiveness across multiple programs is a complex task that will test the next athletic director’s vision. The Big 12 remains a dynamic and competitive conference, and Baylor’s position as a “sleeping giant” in athletics is contingent on sustained investment and strategic decision-making. If the incoming leadership can continue Rhoades’ model of hiring top-tier coaches and fostering a strong athletic culture, the program could build on its current momentum. Ultimately, Rhoades leaves Baylor with a foundation of stability, a series of strategic hires, and a renewed national profile, setting the stage for a critical transition in the department’s leadership.