SMU extends coach Rhett Lashlee through 2032

DALLAS – December 8, 2023 – Southern Methodist University (SMU) has solidified its commitment to head football coach Rhett Lashlee, announcing a contract extension today that will keep him leading the Mustangs through the 2032 season. The new agreement adds a significant six years to Lashlee’s original contract, which was previously set to expire after the 2026 season.

The extension comes at a pivotal moment for SMU Football. In just his second season at the helm, Lashlee has steered the Mustangs to an 18-8 overall record. This year, he orchestrated a historic 8-0 undefeated run in American Athletic Conference (AAC) play, culminating in a dominant 26-14 victory over Tulane in the AAC Championship game held in New Orleans. That championship marks the program’s first conference title since 1984, reigniting a passionate fanbase.

University leadership emphasized that the long-term deal underscores SMU’s vision for sustained success, particularly as the institution prepares for a momentous jump to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024. Lashlee will now guide the Mustangs into this new Power Five era, providing essential stability and continuity for the program’s future.

“Rhett Lashlee has quickly re-established a winning culture and brought tremendous excitement back to SMU Football,” said an unnamed university official, reflecting the sentiment of the announcement. “His leadership has been instrumental in our recent success, and we believe he is the right coach to lead us into the ACC and compete at the highest level for years to come. This extension demonstrates our full confidence in his ability to achieve our ambitious goals.”

Before taking the head coaching role at SMU, Lashlee served as the Mustangs’ offensive coordinator under former head coach Sonny Dykes, contributing to a high-octane offense. His extensive coaching background also includes offensive coordinator stints at prominent programs such as Miami, Auburn, and Arkansas, where he consistently developed potent offensive schemes.

Lashlee, expressing his gratitude and excitement for the future, is now preparing his team for their final game of the 2023 season. The Mustangs are set to face Boston College in the Fenway Bowl on December 28th, looking to cap off their championship season with another victory before fully turning their attention to the upcoming ACC challenge.

The extension is expected to provide a significant boost to recruiting efforts as SMU transitions to the ACC, signaling to prospective student-athletes the university’s dedication to its football program and its long-term investment in coaching stability.