SMU Locks Down Coach Rhett Lashlee with Contract Extension Amid Historic Season
Big news is coming out of Dallas, Texas, as SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has officially signed a contract extension with the school. This move comes as the Mustangs are riding high, poised for a shot at their second consecutive conference title and, perhaps even more impressively, their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Talk about making waves!
While the exact terms of Lashlee’s new deal remain under wraps—SMU is a private school, after all—this isn’t the first time the university has doubled down on its commitment to the 41-year-old coach. Back in November 2023, Lashlee received a multiyear contract extension, with athletic director Rick Hart stating it was designed “to keep him on the Hilltop for years to come.” Clearly, SMU is all-in on Lashlee, and for good reason.
Building a Winning Legacy
Since taking the reins at SMU, Lashlee has compiled an impressive 27-10 record. The Mustangs’ crowning achievement under his leadership came in 2023 when they captured the American Athletic Conference title—their first conference championship since 1984. That’s nearly four decades of waiting, and Lashlee delivered.
But the story doesn’t stop there. This season, SMU made the leap to the ACC, a move that many thought would be a tough adjustment. Instead, the Mustangs have thrived. They’re the only team in the conference that remains undefeated in league play, with just two regular-season games left against Virginia and Cal. Currently sitting at No. 13 in the College Football Playoff standings, SMU’s only blemish this season came in Week 2 against No. 14 BYU. That’s a resume worth bragging about.
“We Changed Leagues and Changed Levels”
In a conversation with ESPN, Lashlee summed up the Mustangs’ journey succinctly: “We changed leagues and changed levels.” And boy, have they risen to the occasion. Since the start of the 2023 season, SMU has been one of the most consistent programs in the nation. Their 20-4 overall record during that span gives them a win percentage of .833, which ties them for sixth nationally. That’s elite company.
From Quarterback to Coach
Lashlee’s coaching journey is as impressive as his current success. Before becoming SMU’s head coach, he served as the team’s offensive coordinator under Sonny Dykes in 2018 and 2019. His resume also includes stints as an offensive coordinator at Miami, UConn, Auburn, and Arkansas State. And let’s not forget, Lashlee is a former quarterback himself, having played at Arkansas. His experience on the field has clearly translated to success on the sidelines.
What’s Next for SMU?
With two games left in the regular season, the Mustangs are in control of their own destiny. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Virginia: A matchup against the Cavaliers that could solidify SMU’s standing in the ACC.
- Cal: A season finale that could serve as a final statement to the College Football Playoff committee.
Should SMU win out, they’ll not only secure another conference title but also make a compelling case for a spot in the College Football Playoff. For a program that hasn’t seen this level of success in decades, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Why This Matters
SMU’s rise under Lashlee is a testament to what strong leadership and a clear vision can achieve. The Mustangs have gone from being a solid program to a legitimate national contender in just a few short years. And with Lashlee locked in for the foreseeable future, the sky’s the limit for SMU football.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Mustangs fan or just a casual college football observer, keep an eye on SMU. This is a team—and a coach—that’s rewriting the script on what’s possible in college football.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
