Introduction to the New Athletic Director
The SMU Mustangs have a new leading man for their athletic department.
The university officially announced on Friday the hiring of former Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, who will be replacing Rick Hart in the role.
Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics at the University of Maryland, has been named SMU’s new Director of Athletics.
“SMU has tremendous momentum in all aspects of its athletics program, but I believe we can push to even greater heights.” – Damon Evans… pic.twitter.com/zU01EdN2od
— SMU (@SMU) March 22, 2025
The Search for a New Athletic Director
SMU’s search for a new athletic director has lasted about six weeks after Hart announced on Feb. 7 that he would be stepping down from his position after more than a decade leading the Mustangs.
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The athletic director search followed SMU replacing President R. Gerald Turner — who also announced plans to step down from his role — with former Texas President Jay Hartzell.
Experience and Qualifications
“Our goal was to find a leader who shared our vision for the future of SMU Athletics – one of continued and even greater national prominence. We found that in a world-class athletic director with experience leading in both the Big 10 and SEC conferences, and who will bring bold, innovative ideas to our campus,” search committee co-chair and Board of Trustees Chair David B. Miller said in a news release.
Evans had served as Maryland’s AD since 2017, when he was hired in an interim role before being handed the job permanently in June 2018. In his time with the Terrapins, his programs claimed 49 Big Ten championships and tournament titles. Maryland has also won seven national championships since 2014, when he first arrived on campus.
Statement from the New Athletic Director
“While it is never easy to leave an institution that has become part of your family, the opportunity to come to SMU was too great to pass up,” Evans said in the news release. “SMU has tremendous momentum in all aspects of its athletics program, but I believe we can push to even greater heights. I am honored to join the university and to be a part of something truly special.”
The Mustangs have had 15 teams compete in the postseason this school year, with nine finishing in the NCAA or national top 35. In 2024, SMU was selected to the College Football Playoff for the first time.
Previous Experience and Achievements
Evans was named to the CFP selection committee earlier this month and will serve a three-year term in the role. Before his time at Maryland, Evans spent over two decades at his alma mater Georgia, serving as its athletic director from 2004-10. The Bulldogs won 13 national championships and 19 SEC titles during Evans’ time in Athens.
“Damon has led two top-tier athletics programs, and now he will lead a third. Damon’s knowledge, experience and extensive contacts in intercollegiate athletics will be invaluable in leading our athletics program to even greater success in the ACC while strategically navigating the evolving NIL landscape,” Miller said in the release.
Legacy and Expectations
The former Georgia wide receiver, a four-year starter, was the SEC’s first Black athletic director and managed the largest operating profit among college athletic programs, according to Sports Business Journal.
He was also the SEC’s assistant commissioner from 1995-98 and Missouri’s director of compliance before that.
The new AD inherits an SMU athletics program that achieved its highest ranking — 18th nationally — in the Learfield Directors’ Cup Division I Fall Standings. SMU has also seen record fundraising and attendance during its inaugural season in the ACC. Last school year, SMU set a program record with eight championship teams.
“SMU’s future in athletics is bright, and Damon is the right leader to drive us forward,” search committee co-chair and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Richard K. Templeton said in the release. “We are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Dallas and look forward to the impact he will have on our program and on the Mustang community.”
Find more SMU coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the appointment of Damon Evans as the new athletic director of SMU marks a new era for the university’s athletic department. With his extensive experience and qualifications, Evans is expected to lead the Mustangs to even greater heights and achieve continued success in the ACC. The university’s commitment to excellence in athletics is evident in its search for a world-class athletic director, and Evans’ hiring is a testament to this commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new athletic director and the SMU athletics program:
Q: Who is the new athletic director of SMU?
A: The new athletic director of SMU is Damon Evans, former athletic director of the University of Maryland.
Q: What experience does Damon Evans have in athletics?
A: Evans has over two decades of experience in athletics, including serving as athletic director at the University of Maryland and the University of Georgia.
Q: What are the expectations for the SMU athletics program under Damon Evans’ leadership?
A: The expectations are high, with the university aiming to achieve continued success in the ACC and to push the program to even greater heights.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about SMU athletics?
A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about SMU athletics by visiting the university’s website or following the athletic department on social media.
