Missouri names interim athletic director following Mack Rhoades departure
The saga in Columbia continues on, this time with the Wednesday news of athletic director Mack Rhodes stepping down to head the sinking ship that has become Baylor athletics. Give Mizzou credit for naming his replacement quickly as the school announced Wren Baker as interim Director of Athletics.
Here is the complete statement from the Missouri via the school’s official website:
“Mack Rhoades informed me in a conversation this morning that he has accepted the position of Vice President and Director of Athletics at Baylor University. While I am disappointed for Mizzou, I am happy for Mack and his family. During our time working together, I’ve grown to admire and respect Mack’s leadership. He has moved the needle significantly and we are well-positioned moving forward. We will be launching a national search for our next Director of Athletics and details will follow in the coming days.
“I’ve asked Wren Baker to serve as our interim Director of Athletics upon Mack’s departure. Wren has been an AD at two institutions and has an impressive background and will bring stability to the athletic department. We have a remarkable tradition of success but our future is even brighter because of the support of the many alumni and friends of the University.”
This move is just the latest in a very troubling year for the school, as the SEC Network did a good job of putting the entire saga into perspective:
In the last 12 months, Missouri has lost its president, chancellor, AD, football coach, and baseball coach.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 13, 2016
Obviously departures are part of the territory in college athletics and administration, however Missouri currently has no chancellor, no president nor a permanent athletic director at this time. Not exactly an ideal situation to attract any prospective administrators to Columbia.