3 things you should know about Baylor’s new athletics director

Baylor named Mack Rhoades as the Bears’ new Director of Athletics on Wednesday, and will introduce him formally during a press conference on Monday. So what should Baylor fans know about the man now tasked with overseeing Baylor athletics?

1. Rhoades comes to Baylor after successful stints as AD at Akron, Houston and Missouri. During his four years at Akron, the Zips won their first Mid-American Conference title in football, while the men’s basketball team had its best season ever. In six years at Houston, he oversaw the building of $160 million worth of new facilities (including an on-campus football stadium) and hired the Cougars’ current football coach, Tom Herman, who led the Cougars to a 13-1 record and a Peach Bowl victory last year. And in his year-plus at Missouri, he made another highly praised football coaching hire.

2. He has a reputation for focusing on student-athletes’ success both on and off the field. Houston Chronicle reporter John McClain, BA ’75, told 1660 ESPN Radio how at Houston, Rhoades emphasized ways for athletes to succeed academically, from encouraging them to sit at the front of class to organizing leadership classes and other life lessons for student-athletes. At Mizzou, student-athletes posted the highest cumulative GPA in school history.

3. Rhoades’ hiring was widely applauded Wednesday, both nationally and within the Baylor community. Examples: Houston athletics director Hunter Yurachek: “He’s a leader that is full of integrity. He wants to do things the right way for the right reason.” Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman: “Baylor did very well landing Mack Rhoades as new AD. He’s highly regarded in the business & his rep will help luring new coaches.” Baylor Regent Emeritus Drayton McLane: “I think that’s a great hire for Baylor. We need to get going in a positive direction. I think this is a big step forward.”

Rhoades will be formally introduced at a press conference on Monday.

Sic ’em, Mack!