McNamee is a former Baylor administrator who served in the athletic department in various capacities from 2012 to 2018. Most recently, McNamee served for three years as president of Field & Stream, the outdoor lifestyle brand. Previously, he was president of Magnolia, the Waco, Texas-based company founded by Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines.
McNamee’s hiring fills the void left by former Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades, who parted ways with the school last month. Rhoades, who also previously chaired the College Football Playoff selection committee, stepped down a week after taking a leave of absence from both positions.
McNamee, a Baylor alumnus, worked under both Rhoades and former Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw during his time as an administrator. McNamee spent five years at the Bear Foundation, the fundraising arm for Baylor athletics, before spending his last 15 months as Baylor’s athletics director of external affairs. He has longstanding ties with the school; both of his grandparents work at Baylor and his father is also a graduate. As a student, McNamee was a student manager for the men’s basketball team.
He steps into Baylor athletics amid multiple challenges. Fan morale within the football team is low as the Bears have struggled lately, enduring three losing seasons in the past four years under coach Dave Aranda.
After Rhoades resigned, Baylor President Linda Livingstone announced that the school would keep Aranda despite the battle. Livingstone cited a desire to give the new AD time to assess Aranda and the football program in hopes of preserving the roster and recruiting class and avoiding additional financial challenges, including paying for a potential buyout. Aranda’s buyout is believed to be at least $12 million. After leading Baylor to a 12-2 record, a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in the 2021 season, Aranda signed a contract extension through the 2029 season.
“Doug’s familiarity with Baylor and his recent experience as CEO of two national lifestyle and media companies will serve him well as we prioritize increasing revenues, expanding external NIL opportunities for our student-athletes and growing our brand in this new era of college athletics, while also engaging our passionate fan base,” said Livingstone.
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