Baylor Athletic Director Mack Rhoades resigns: ‘I need to prioritize my faith and family’

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Baylor University Athletics Director Mack Rhoades, who had been on a leave of absence because of personal matters, has decided to submit his resignation.

“Mack Rhoades, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has informed me of his decision to step away from his position at Baylor, effective immediately,” confirmed Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone.

“We pray for him, Amy and his family as they embark on this next chapter.”

“I find myself in a season of life where I need to prioritize my faith and my family with an intentional focus that requires me to move on from my role as caretaker of this great athletics program,” Rhoades said.

Livingstone said Co-interim Athletic Directors Jovan Overshown and Cody Hall “will continue in their current roles as we aggressively identify our next Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in the weeks ahead.”

“Be assured we remain deeply committed to competing at the highest levels of athletics – both in competition and the classroom," the university president further said.

“I am certain that we will find a new AD who shares in this competitive commitment, aligns with and supports Baylor’s Christian mission, and can lead us into this next era of intercollegiate athletics.

“Thank you for your continued support of Baylor University and our athletics programs.

“Together, we will build on a strong foundation move forward with confidence and in faith,” Livingstone said.

Rhoades’ entire statement:

“The past nine years serving as the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Baylor University have been among the greatest joys of my professional life.

“However, I find myself in a season of life where I need to prioritize my faith and my family with an intentional focus that requires me to move on from my role as caretaker of this great athletics program.

“I want to thank President Livingstone, our Board, our coaches, our department staff, our donors, and our fans, for their support and tireless work on behalf of Baylor Athletics.

“Equally as important, I want to thank each and every one of the student-athletes who wore the green and gold, made us proud every day, and represented the very best of us.

“They are all, truly, Champions for Life. The incredible community that is the Baylor Family is the absolute best of the best. Together, we won national championships, established records in academics and fundraising, and built world-class facilities.

“I will forever cherish the memories and friendships I made as a Baylor Bear. I know that whatever the future holds, God has a great plan for Baylor in it. May He continue to bless the university and each individual associated with it. Thank you and Sic ‘Em Bears!”