SMU Extends Coach Lashlee’s Contract to 2029

DALLAS, Texas – Southern Methodist University has secured Head Coach Rhett Lashlee with a new contract extension through the 2029 season, the university officially announced on Thursday, November 30th, 2023. The significant new agreement arrives amid a flurry of college football coaching speculation that had linked Lashlee to prominent vacancies, including discussions around the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas.

The deal firmly plants Lashlee on the Hilltop for the foreseeable future, superseding a previous extension signed just last year that ran through 2027. This latest commitment underscores SMU’s confidence in Lashlee’s leadership as the program experiences a dramatic resurgence under his guidance.

In his two seasons at the helm, Lashlee has compiled an impressive 18-8 record. His 2023 campaign has been particularly stellar, with the Mustangs currently sitting at a commanding 10-2 and preparing to compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship game. The team’s offensive prowess and consistent performance have been hallmarks of Lashlee’s tenure, quickly establishing SMU as a formidable force in the conference.

“I am incredibly grateful to Dr. [Insert SMU President’s Name Here, e.g., R. Gerald Turner], Rick Hart, and the entire SMU community for their unwavering support and belief in our vision for Mustang Football,” Lashlee stated in a release from SMU Athletics. “My family and I have fallen in love with Dallas, and we are thrilled to continue building something truly special here on the Hilltop. The momentum surrounding our program is palpable, and we are just getting started on what we believe will be an exciting future.”

SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart emphasized the importance of stability as the program approaches a pivotal transition. “Rhett Lashlee has proven to be an exceptional leader, not just on the field with his innovative offensive schemes, but also in cultivating a winning culture and prioritizing the academic success of our student-athletes,” Hart commented. “This extension ensures vital continuity as we prepare for our highly anticipated move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and continue our pursuit of championships at the highest level of collegiate football.”

The timing of the extension is particularly notable, coming right in the middle of the college football coaching carousel, where Lashlee’s name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for jobs in larger conferences. His track record of developing quarterbacks, implementing high-scoring offenses, and quickly turning around a program made him an attractive prospect for programs seeking a fresh direction. This new deal definitively signals Lashlee’s commitment to SMU over other potential opportunities.

Before looking ahead to the ACC, Lashlee will lead his Mustangs into their most significant game of the season: the AAC Championship against Tulane. A victory would not only mark a conference title for SMU but also cap off a remarkable 11-win season, further cementing the program’s return to national prominence.

The long-term extension ensures that Lashlee will be at the forefront of SMU’s strategic move to the ACC in 2024, providing critical leadership and stability as the Mustangs embark on a new era in a Power Five conference. This commitment from both Lashlee and the university is a clear indication of SMU’s ambitious goals for its football program and its determination to compete at the highest echelons of college football.