“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.”
It’s unclear how it’ll affect Rhoades’ status as chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee. Rhoades initiated the leave, which started Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to Yahoo Sports.
The College Football Playoff also confirmed that Rhoades would step away from his role.
The news comes on the heels of multiple reports citing Rhoades was involved in a recent altercation with Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, although those reports note the personal leave is separate from the incident. Rhoades was recently investigated by the school for having an issue with Trigg’s gold-colored long sleeve undershirt ahead of the Bears’ game against Arizona State on Sept. 20.
Rhoades has been Baylor’s athletic director since 2016, after he was hired away from Missouri, where he was athletic director from 2015-16. He was also athletic director at Houston (2009-15) and Akron (2006-09).
The College Football Playoff committee will have to find a new chairman with Rhoades departure. Rhoades has explained the committee’s process on ESPN after each of the first two playoff rankings releases on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11.
The CFP committee has already been operating down a member, with Randall McDaniel stepping away for the 2025-26 season.