SMU announces contract extension for head coach Rhett Lashlee

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has the Mustangs in position to have one of the best seasons in school history. He has been rewarded for his success with a contract extension, the university announced on Friday.

SMU is off to a 9-1 (6-0) start and appears on its way to reaching the ACC Championship game in its first season in the league. The Mustangs have games remaining against Virginia and Cal, and they will be favored in both.

Lashlee also has his club right in the thick of the College Football Playoff race in his third season leading the SMU program.

Terms of Lashlee’s new deal were not disclosed.

“Lauren, Hudson, Thomas, Rowyn, Scarlet and I are all so excited to be Mustangs,” Rhett Lashlee said in a statement. “We look forward to building upon our success and making our mark on college football’s national stage.

“I want to thank President Turner and Rick Hart, as well as Bill Armstong and David Miller and all the Trustees and SMU leadership for their belief in and commitment to me and my family. We are thrilled to be here for the long haul. Pony Up!”

SMU is 18-2 in its last 20 games under Lashlee and has made the transition from the AAC to the ACC look like an easy one. The only loss of the season for Lashlee’s team came in early September against BYU in an 18-15 game.

Since then, the Mustangs have reeled off seven straight wins, including a perfect 6-0 mark in ACC play. It’s safe to say the administration at SMU is pleased with the direction of the program.

“Rhett was the clear choice when we conducted our head-coaching search in 2021, and everything he and his staff have accomplished only validates our decision,” said Rick Hart, who is the SMU Director of Athletics. “He has operated in alignment with our values and represents SMU with class and integrity. As we go through a time of significant change in college athletics and the college athletics model, Rhett has been an invaluable partner and leader.

“We’re excited that Rhett, Lauren and his family will continue this journey with us and are looking forward to shaping champions and competing for championships for years to come.”