SMU Mustangs Get Proactive with Contract Extension for Head Coach Rhett Lashlee
The SMU Mustangs are getting proactive. With head coach Rhett Lashlee becoming a top target for a handful of college football head coach openings, SMU locked him down with another contract extension. SMU and Lashlee agreed to a new two-year extension that would keep the head coach on the Hilltop through 2032, the program announced Saturday morning.
“SMU is a special place to our family. We are so excited for the opportunity to continue the process of building our program on the national stage,” Lashlee said in a statement. “Lauren, Hudson, Thomas, Rowyn, Scarlet and I are excited about our future here at SMU and in the great city of Dallas. We are humbled and thankful for the faith President [Jay] Hartzell, Athletic Director Damon Evans, our Board of Trustees and our passionate fanbase have placed in us and our staff.”
Contract Extension Details
The raise will make Lashlee one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches in all of college football. This is the third consecutive season Lashlee has received a contract extension at SMU.
Lashlee, 42, is in his fourth season at the helm at SMU and is coming off a stellar 2024 season in which he led the Mustangs to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and the ACC championship game in their first year in the conference.
He led the program through its jump to a power conference, going 11-1 through his first 12 ACC games. He’s 3-1 in conference in 2025 with wins over Syracuse, Stanford and Clemson. SMU dropped its first regular-season ACC game last week to Wake Forest.
Why SMU is a Destination Job
Lashlee has always considered SMU to be a destination job with strong NIL resources and an elite recruiting pool in its backyard. The only thing SMU was missing was a spot in power conference, which the Mustangs have now achieved.
The SEC may be the gold standard of college football, but Lashlee may have an easier shot of reaching the College Football Playoff every year in the ACC than at a program like Arkansas in the SEC.
Reaction to the Contract Extension
“We are thrilled to extend Rhett and keep him as part of the SMU family,” Evans said in a statement. “Rhett has shown an unwavering commitment to elevating SMU Football to new heights, and under his leadership, we are building a program that will compete for championships year in and year out. I look forward to him and his family being on The Hilltop for years to come.”
Lashlee’s success at SMU garnered attention from around the country. Notably, Lashlee was a potential candidate for the open Arkansas job after the Razorbacks fired Sam Pittman earlier this season. The Arkansas-born coach and former Razorbacks quarterback was a top target to bring back to Fayetteville.
Lashlee responded to the rumor mill last month. “I’m happy, I’ve got a great job,” Lashlee said at the time. “I think when your name gets linked to jobs it means your team has done well, your program has done well, so it’s a compliment to what our staff, administration and players have built over the last three-plus years.”
What’s Next for SMU
Lashlee and SMU can now turn their attention to keeping the Mustangs in the conversation for a spot in the ACC title game. SMU already has three losses this season, including one in ACC play, so it will need some help from other teams to have a shot at returning to Charlotte.
But a win over No. 10 Miami Saturday at Ford Stadium would be a key step in the right direction.
SMU is now in a five-way tie for second place in the ACC.
The previously undefeated Yellow Jackets leave a door open in the ACC standings for the Mustangs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SMU Mustangs have made a significant move by extending the contract of head coach Rhett Lashlee. This move shows the commitment of the university to its football program and its desire to compete at the highest level. With Lashlee at the helm, the Mustangs are poised to continue their success and make a push for the ACC title game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is Rhett Lashlee’s contract extension?
A: Rhett Lashlee’s contract extension is for two years, keeping him at SMU through 2032.
Q: How much will Rhett Lashlee be paid?
A: The exact amount of Rhett Lashlee’s salary is not disclosed, but it is reported to make him one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches in college football.
Q: Why did SMU extend Rhett Lashlee’s contract?
A: SMU extended Rhett Lashlee’s contract to keep him from leaving for other job opportunities and to show its commitment to its football program.
