Rick Hart steps down as SMU athletic director after 13-year run at university
SMU athletic director Rick Hart is stepping down after 13 years with the university, Hart announced in a statement. Hart, was hired in July 2012 after six years at UT-Chattanooga, will remain with the university until a replacement is named.
“It is with tremendous pride, heartfelt love, and yes, mixed emotions, that I share with you that I have made the decision that this academic year will be my last at SMU,” Hart said. “After the honor of leading the Department of Athletics for thirteen years, it is time for a new challenge for me and for a new voice to lead the Mustangs, allowing President-Elect Hartzell to move forward with his own vision and leader as SMU moves forward in this new landscape of collegiate athletics.”
Hart’s run as SMU’s athletic director is arguably the most successful of any person to hold the position. Facilities have seen incredible improvements, the school is now in a power conference, and the football program is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in its first year in the ACC.
SMU ranks No. 18 nationally in the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup Division I Fall Standings with 217.25 points, the highest ranking in program history.
With Hart at the helm, SMU also set fundraising records as its new athletic facilities and ACC membership came.
With the new era of the university though, it was apparent talking with sources that new leadership in athletics was a part of the long-term plan for the school with the newfound opportunities SMU has in front of it. With Hart stepping down after his successful run, a new vision can be incorporated.
Want the inside scoop on SMU’s search for athletic director? Join the message board for $1!
SMU hired Jay Hartzell as its new president, replacing outgoing president R. Gerald Turner. Hartzell arrives June 1 from the University of Texas-Austin, where he led the Longhorns to the SEC. With any university change at the presidential level, one of the first departments that could see change is often the athletic department.
Top 10
- 1
Rick Pitino
New sheriff in Big Ten?
- 2
Ryan Day
Buyout revealed from new contract
- 3
UNC president
Belichick hire fall out
- 4
'I'm 1-0 vs. PETA'
La. Gov. defends LSU live tiger
- 5
2025 CFB odds
Key game point spreads
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
With the announcement, SMU’s charting a new course in the athletic department. As intercollegiate athletics hits a pivotal point with television deals, the university will have new leadership to ensure the program is in the best position for any winds of change in the industry.
A graduate of UNC, Hart earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education, health and sport science. Hart and his wife, Allison, also a graduate of North Carolina, are proud parents of Trevor, an SMU grad and Assistant Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement at Northwestern, and Caroline (Carly), an SMU senior.
When SMU announced Hartzell as president, chair of the board of trustees David B. Miller noted Hartzell’s experience advancing many programs, including athletics. Now, Hartzell and the board of trustees is set to make a major hire that looks at advance the university even higher in athletics.
“His leadership at UT Austin and commitment to advancing programs across diverse disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, arts, education, business, law, student life, and intercollegiate athletics, make him an excellent choice as SMU’s eleventh president,” Miller said. “He also understands the vital role Texas and its universities play in the nation’s vibrant economy.”
A national search for Hart’s replacement will begin immediately as the winds of change continue to blow on the Hilltop.
