As Baylor's new athletic director, Doug McNamee steps into a role with a challenging history. The last three individuals in his position faced tumultuous exits, with Tom Stanton resigning in 2003 following the men's basketball scandal under coach Dave Bliss, Ian McCaw stepping down in 2016 amid Title IX mishandlings, and Mack Rhoades leaving in 2025 for personal reasons.
McNamee, a Baylor alum, brings a unique perspective, having previously worked in the university's athletic department before joining Magnolia, the company founded by fellow Baylor graduates Chip and Joanna Gaines. His return to Baylor comes at a critical time, with the athletic department facing a downturn.
The football team struggled under coach Dave Aranda, and the men's basketball team risks missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. McNamee's task is clear: secure more funding from the Baylor community to stay competitive in the NIL landscape.
This weekend, Baylor's No. 18 women's basketball team faces No. 11 TCU, a matchup that will take center stage on ESPN's College Game Day.
In a recent interview, McNamee shared his vision for the department and his reasons for taking the job.
When asked about retaining Dave Aranda, McNamee emphasized the importance of context. Just a season ago, Baylor was a fluke play away from a Big 12 tie. While the 2025 season was disappointing, McNamee respects the decision made by Baylor president Linda Livingstone to keep Aranda, noting the positive changes he has witnessed since his arrival.
McNamee's decision to return to Baylor was deeply personal. Despite launching a network with Field & Stream, the opportunity to serve his alma mater was compelling. Baylor's commitment and his connection to the university made it a calling he couldn't ignore.
Regarding concerns about conference consolidation, McNamee remains optimistic. He believes Baylor's unique position as an R1 university with a strong academic and faith-based profile will secure its place in the Power 4 conference landscape. The focus, he says, should be on positioning the university effectively.
On the topic of facilities, McNamee notes that major projects were completed before the NIL era, with only some enhancements for baseball on the horizon.
Addressing the financial challenges posed by the NCAA revenue share, McNamee acknowledges the pressure of the $20.5 million figure, which has become more of a baseline than a cap. He stresses the importance of leveraging Baylor's community and business connections to remain competitive and meet financial needs.
McNamee's approach blends respect for Baylor's past with a strategic vision for its future, aiming to steer the athletic department through its current challenges while building a strong foundation for success.