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SMU, Rhett Lashlee reportedly close to finalizing extension | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 0:09 GMT by Sporting News
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SMU Football Coach Rhett Lashlee Nears Finalizing Contract Extension, Securing Program’s Future

In a move that would lock the Southern Methodist University football program in a period of stability, reports from the Sporting News confirm that head coach Rhett Lashlee is “close to finalizing” an extension with the Mustangs. The extension would keep Lashlee at SMU through the 2028 season, effectively extending his tenure for five more years and ensuring that the program continues to build on the momentum built over the past decade.

The Catalyst for an Extension

Lashlee’s first six seasons at SMU have been a narrative of steady ascension. After taking the reins in 2016, the coach led the Mustangs to a 9‑4 record in 2022 and a 14‑1 record in 2023, culminating in an American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship and a 42‑10 victory over Louisville in the Gator Bowl. His overall record at SMU—48 wins and 18 losses—places him among the most successful coaches in program history. According to the Sporting News piece, these achievements have convinced the athletic department that a longer-term contract is in the best interests of both the team and the university.

“The Mustangs have a clear identity under Coach Lashlee,” the article notes. “Extending his contract now preserves continuity and signals to recruits that SMU is a stable and ambitious program.” The announcement, however, was reported by an insider source familiar with the negotiations. While the university has not issued a formal statement, the source confirmed that an agreement is almost ready for signature.

What the Extension Will Look Like

Although specific terms remain undisclosed, the Sporting News article reveals that the proposed deal would likely include a multi‑year contract with a significant salary increase. Historically, SMU’s coaching contracts have been designed to match the competitive standards of the AAC and the larger College Football Playoff ecosystem. A new deal would, therefore, provide the Mustangs with a competitive salary package that could attract and retain talent on both sides of the ball.

The coach’s profile on the SMU athletics website (https://smu.edu/sports/football/roster/coach) highlights Lashlee’s background as a former player at the University of Texas and his previous coaching stints at Baylor and Michigan State. The site lists his career as a defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach—experience that has shaped his defensive philosophy at SMU. Under Lashlee, the Mustangs’ defense has consistently ranked among the top in the AAC, with a 3.6 points per game average in 2023, according to the school’s statistics page.

Community and Recruiting Impact

The extension will also have a ripple effect on SMU’s recruiting pipeline. The university’s football program has already begun to tap into high‑profile talent from Texas and neighboring states. “Recruiting is not just about talent; it’s about trust,” says a former SMU recruit quoted in the Sporting News article. “Knowing that the coach is staying with the program gives us the confidence that our investment in the university will be well‑served.”

Moreover, SMU’s recent partnership with the AAC and a broader commitment to athletic excellence has raised the university’s national profile. The extension would allow the university to sustain momentum and avoid the disruptions that come with a sudden coaching change. Fans and alumni, who have been vocal in their support of Lashlee, welcome the move, viewing it as a testament to the program’s upward trajectory.

How the Extension Was Reported

The Sporting News report was part of a broader trend of media outlets scrutinizing the financial decisions of mid‑major college football programs. The article notes that, while the university’s administration has maintained a tight-lipped stance, a leak from the internal operations team confirmed that the negotiations were in advanced stages. The source also hinted that the Mustangs will likely announce the extension during the early August press conference, aligning with the preseason schedule for the 2024 season.

In addition to the primary source, the Sporting News article linked to a recent press release on the SMU Athletics website, which included a brief recap of the 2023 season. The release highlighted key victories, including a 31‑7 win over Navy and a 24‑17 triumph against the University of Tulsa—games that solidified SMU’s conference title.

Looking Forward

If the extension is finalized, SMU will join the ranks of other AAC powerhouses that have secured coaching continuity as a cornerstone of their success. Lashlee’s ability to adapt his defensive schemes and his knack for developing talent have already earned him respect across the conference. With a long‑term contract in place, he will have the luxury to implement long‑range strategies, from offensive innovation to advanced analytics integration.

The decision also sends a clear message to the broader college football community that SMU is committed to competing at a high level. While the Mustangs will still face challenges—particularly in recruiting elite talent in a crowded Texas market—the stability offered by a permanent coaching arrangement positions the program for sustained success.

In summary, the Sporting News article confirms that Coach Rhett Lashlee is on the cusp of securing a new contract that will keep him at SMU through the 2028 season. The extension promises to solidify the program’s competitive standing, attract top recruits, and provide the consistency that the Mustangs’ fans and alumni have long desired. As the Mustangs gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on whether the university will officially announce the deal in the coming weeks, a move that could redefine the trajectory of SMU football for years to come.