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SMU coach Rhett Lashlee has locked in his future with the Mustangs, agreeing to a two-year contract extension that keeps him in Dallas through the 2032 season. The deal effectively removes him from consideration for other coaching vacancies, the school announced Saturday. Yahoo Sports reports Lashlee’s pay bump will vault him into the top-10 highest-paid coaches in college football.
The 42-year-old has transformed SMU’s program since taking over in 2022. He’s compiled a 34-15 record and guided the Mustangs to both the College Football Playoff and ACC Championship game during their 2024 campaign — impressive achievements for a program that’s been fighting to return to national relevance. SMU currently sits at 5-3 as they prepare for a crucial matchup against No. 10 Miami on Saturday.
“SMU is a special place to our family. We’re 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’re humbled and thankful for the faith President Hartzell, Athletic Director Damon Evans, our Board of Trustees and our passionate fanbase have placed in us and our staff.”
Speculation had been swirling around Lashlee’s potential candidacy for the Arkansas opening after Sam Pittman’s firing earlier this month. The connection made sense — Lashlee played quarterback for the Razorbacks, creating what seemed like a natural fit.
But Lashlee wasn’t having any of it.
“I don’t stand anywhere on speculation and hypotheticals,” Lashlee told reporters earlier this month. “I’m happy, I’ve got a great job. I think when your name gets linked to jobs it means your team has done well, the program has done well. So it’s a compliment to what our staff and administration and players have built over the last three-plus years. Then a lot of times there’s obvious connections. If it’s your alma mater, it’s easy to link names. But I haven’t given it any thought because there hasn’t been anything to give thought to. It’s a great, fair question. But I’m really excited with what we’re building here.”
This extension builds on SMU’s commitment to Lashlee after they previously tied him to the program through 2030 with a contract signed just last fall. The rapid return to the negotiating table shows how highly the administration values his leadership during this pivotal time for SMU football.
Coaching Carousel Slowing Down?
Lashlee joins a growing list of sought-after coaches choosing stability over the uncertainty of the coaching market. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule inked an extension earlier this week, while Indiana secured rising star Curt Cignetti with a long-term deal — both moves designed to keep potential suitors at bay.
For SMU fans, the extension represents a significant win as the program continues building momentum in the competitive ACC landscape. With Lashlee now firmly committed through 2032, the Mustangs can focus on finishing strong this season and building toward even greater success in the years ahead.
