Mack Rhoades Archives

#Mizzou A.D. Mack Rhoades seems to be adjusting to life in Missouri just fine (VIDEO)

August 28, 2015 By Bill Pollock

Mack Rhoades and Bill Pollock catch up before the football season (Photo/Kayla Thoenen)

Mack Rhoades, the new Director of Athletics for Mizzou, was in Jefferson City this week to talk with the executives from Learfield Sports, the marketing partner for the Tiger Network and Mizzou Sports Properties. Our company has had a long and prosperous relationship with the University of Missouri’s athletic department and it was an opportunity for both sides to get to know one another better.

After their meetings, a brief reception was held for Mack and he was gracious enough to take a few minutes to chat with me on camera.

It sounds like he and his family have adjusted to life in Columbia, and he’s bringing some fresh ideas and a great approach to continue to move Mizzou athletics in the right direction. You’ll see for yourself, he’s a pretty down to earth guy. After visiting, I’m excited about the future of Mizzou Athletics. Enjoy our visit in the Learfield Lounge.

New Mizzou A.D. Rhoades: “Why can’t the University of Missouri be the best?” Alden’s successor formally introduced (AUDIO)

March 10, 2015 By Bill Pollock

Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin (L) hopes he has found a winner in Mack Rhoades.

University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin introduced Mack Rhoades as the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Mizzou. Rhoades vows to come in and talk and listen to his staff and coaches before he formulates a plan on how to continue to move Tiger athletics into the right direction.

At the University of Houston, Rhoades rejuvenated the athletics program across the board, including enhancements in the student athlete experience, academics, facilities, fundraising and competitiveness. During the 2013-14 academic year, 10 of the 17 sports programs competed in NCAA postseason competition. The football team has participated in bowl games in four of the last six seasons, including the 2011 season when the Cougars were ranked as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings and competed in two consecutive bowl games in 2013 and 2014. In almost every academic measurement, including GPA and APR, Houston reached record levels; Rhoades created the Cougar Pride Leadership Academy to provide life-long leadership skills for student-athletes.

“The University of Missouri is a world-class institution, and I am honored to serve as its next director of athletics,” Rhoades said. “Success begins with great people and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to keep the athletics program among the nation’s elite. Amy and the girls and I are extremely excited to become members of the Mizzou family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chancellor Loftin and President Wolfe. I look forward to traveling the state to meet the fans who are the heartbeat of the Tigers.”

Rhoades answers questions from the media.

R. Bowen Loftin on Mack Rhoades: “We found the right fit at the right time to take Mizzou Athletics to even greater heights.”

March 9, 2015 By Bill Pollock

Mack Rhoades (photo/uh.edu)

University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced that Mack Rhoades is the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Mizzou. He will assume the post in late April. Rhoades comes over from the University of Houston, where he has overseen Cougar athletics since August 2009. Prior to joining the University of Houston, Rhoades was director of athletics at the University of Akron.

“Mack Rhoades brings a wealth of experience as a Division I athletic director to Mizzou, and he has demonstrated a commitment to our core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and competitive excellence,” Loftin said. “I am delighted to welcome a leader with a track record of enhancing the student-athlete experience and a proven record in fundraising and facility development. We found the right fit at the right time to take Mizzou Athletics to even greater heights.”

During his tenure at Houston, they raised nearly $100 million and built $160 million worth of new facilities, including a new on-campus football stadium and a men’s and women’s basketball development center. Rhoades also negotiated a new multi-media rights deal for the athletics program as well as one of the top five facility naming rights deals at the collegiate level.

During the 2013-14 academic year, 10 of the 17 sports programs at Houston competed in NCAA postseason competition. The football team has participated in bowl games in four of the last six seasons, including the 2011 season when the Cougars were ranked as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings and competed in two consecutive bowl games in 2013 and 2014.

MU officials will hold a press conference to introduce Mack Rhoades at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 in the MU Student Center. Media will be required to show identification. Limited parking is available for media in the parking lot directly north of the MU Student Center.

MU Board of Curators voting today on possible replacement to Mike Alden. Name surfacing is Houston’s Mack Rhoades

March 9, 2015 By Bill Pollock

Mack Rhoades (uhcougars.com)

CBSSports.com reported Sunday night that the University of Missouri has it’s new athletic director. Houston A.D. Mack Rhoades is expected to be named the replacement to Mike Alden as early as Tuesday, once a vote is approved by the MU Board of Curators, who called for a special meeting Monday.

Alden is stepping down from his post in August.

While Texas A&M president, current Missouri chancellor R. Bowen Loftin considered the now 49 year old Rhoades for the Aggies’ job in 2012.

In two years at Houston, Rhoades hired championship-winning coaches in Kelvin Sampson for men’s basketball and Tom Herman for football. He also oversaw construction of a new on-campus football stadium. Rhoades will be on hand to help Mizzou continue to fundraise for athletic projects on campus as the school continues to integrate within the SEC.