Matt Norlander, Matt Zenitz and CBS Sports confirm that Mack Rhoades and Baylor have split after nine years. Rhoades recently retired as chair and a member of the College Football Playoff Committee. Baylor launched an internal probe into Rhoades in the early part of this week according to a Baylor spokesperson. The investigation was not related to the football program, or a prior altercation with Michael Trigg. According to sources, the incident was a personal situation believed to be in violation of Rhoades’ contract and university code of ethics. Norlander reports that Baylor and Rhoades have been talking about a separation since a little over a week. He began a personal leave of absence on Nov. 12, was set to last 28 days according to multiple reports stated. The two sides have quickly moved on. Baylor can now search for a replacement athletic director, for the first since 2016. It is important that the university makes a decision about football coach Dave Aranda before the separation takes place. The coach, in his sixth year, is in the middle another disappointing season. He has moved to 5-5 after a devastating loss of 55-27 to No. 12 Utah. The Bears have been projected as underdogs for their last two games. Aranda’s seats would be among the most sought-after in sports, if they suffered a fourth losing season in six seasons.
Rhoades conducted his second personal investigation of the season. Earlier this year, Rhoades allegedly took exception to Trigg wearing a long-sleeved gold undershirt, which was a different color than the rest of the team, according to The Athletic. According to the report, Rhoades grabbed Trigg in the first quarter, and while using expletives, asked him about his shirt. Rhoades and Baylor’s Dave Aranda had “heated words” later. Jarrett Anderson’s, Trigg’s position coach is said to have also confronted Rhoades. The issue was resolved. Rhoades was appointed Baylor’s new president following the Title IX controversy that took place under former President Ken Starr and Football Coach Art Briles. In response, McCaw and the athletic director at the time resigned. Rhoades hired football coaches Matt Rhule, and Aranda. Both of them reached the Big 12 Championship Game as well as Sugar Bowls.
Important timelineThe school’s initial timeline projected Rhoades would be on leave until mid-December. The school has more flexibility after reaching a separation deal, as the decision on Dave Aranda is made. Baylor can immediately start a nationwide search to find their next athletics director after opening the position. The Bears’ last game is Nov. 29. This gives the university time to hire an athletic director before a formal decision is made about the football coaching staff. If the athletic department decides they want to move on from their current coach, they will have a formal leader in place for a coaching search. Unpleasant situationBaylor had been selected as a possible Big 12 champion heading into 2025 but the situation has plateaued. The Bears are in danger of missing yet another bowl game after losing 55-27 to the Utes. Baylor had the lowest home crowd since 2010 in a 31-30 win over Kansas State.
Aranda’s administration has seen a major overhaul, which is reflected in a new 2026 class of recruits that ranks among the top 25. Aranda’s return to Year 7 is less likely after another season of poor performance. It’s more reasonable that the university move on from Rhoades after the quick split between the athletic department and Rhoades.
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