SMU extends Rhett Lashlee amid Arkansas speculation

**SMU Locks Down Coach Rhett Lashlee Through 2029 Amid Coaching Carousel**

**DALLAS, TX** – Southern Methodist University (SMU) has successfully secured head football coach Rhett Lashlee with a new contract extension, locking him in through the 2029 season. The university’s proactive move, announced this past Saturday, November 25th, comes as Lashlee’s name had been prominently featured on lists for several high-profile coaching vacancies, most notably at his alma mater, the University of Arkansas.

This latest agreement marks Lashlee’s second extension since he took the reins in December 2021, with his initial extension coming last November. The swift action by SMU Athletic Director Rick Hart underscores the university’s deep commitment to Lashlee’s vision and leadership, particularly as the highly competitive collegiate coaching carousel began to spin.

Under Lashlee’s guidance, the Mustangs have experienced a significant resurgence. He boasts an impressive 19-6 overall record during his tenure in Dallas. This season, SMU stands at a formidable 9-2, earning them a No. 24 ranking in the AP Top 25. The team is currently preparing for a pivotal American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship game against Tulane in New Orleans this coming Saturday, December 2nd, a contest that could cap off a historic season for the program.

Speculation linking Lashlee to the head coaching position at Arkansas had intensified in recent weeks. A former quarterback for the Razorbacks in the late 1980s and their offensive coordinator in 2012, Lashlee’s deep ties to Fayetteville made him a natural, albeit highly coveted, candidate for the vacancy. His decision to remain at SMU, however, signals a strong belief in the trajectory and future of the Mustangs program.

SMU Athletic Director Rick Hart has consistently expressed immense confidence in Lashlee’s strategic vision and execution since his arrival on the Hilltop. The multi-year extension reportedly includes a significant salary increase and enhanced buyout clauses, representing a substantial investment by the university. This strategic move is designed not only to reward Lashlee for his success but also to provide critical stability as SMU prepares for its highly anticipated transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024, a substantial step up in collegiate athletic competition.

The retention of Lashlee also marks a significant victory for SMU, which has historically seen successful head coaches depart for perceived larger opportunities, including Chad Morris (who left for Arkansas in 2017) and more recently Sonny Dykes (who departed for TCU in 2021). Lashlee’s decision to stay, coupled with the university’s proactive approach to retain him, breaks this trend and sends a powerful message about SMU’s ambitions and its ability to compete for and keep top coaching talent.

With the contract now finalized, Lashlee can fully focus on the immediate challenge of the AAC Championship game and the long-term goal of establishing SMU as a perennial contender in the ACC. The extension provides essential stability and continuity, reinforcing the foundation Lashlee has built and signaling a bright and ambitious future for Mustangs football.