SMU and coach Rhett Lashlee have agreed on a contract extension with the No. 13 Mustangs aiming for a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and a potential playoff berth in their first season in the league.
The school announced the extension on Friday, just one day before SMU (9-1, 6-0 ACC) plays Virginia, where a win would secure a spot in the conference championship game. The terms of the deal were not shared.
The Mustangs are ranked 13th in the College Football Playoff rankings, which will determine the 12-team field. The ACC champion will earn an automatic playoff bid and could also secure a first-round bye.
Under Lashlee, SMU has a 27-10 record in three seasons, including 18 wins in their last 20 games. Last year, the Mustangs won the American Athletic Conference title in their final season there.
SMU’s first season in the ACC began with a challenging game at Nevada, where they came back to win after falling behind.
They also had a nine-game home winning streak end with a loss to BYU in their third game, but the Cougars won their first nine games before losing to Kansas.
With SMU’s impressive performance in its return to a major conference after nearly 30 years in smaller leagues, Lashlee is expected to become a sought-after coach for other job openings. However, SMU’s wealthy donors may keep him at the school.
“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 athletic director Rick Hart. “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.”
Lashlee was hired after Sonny Dykes left to coach at TCU following three successful seasons, including an 8-0 start in 2019.
