While the TCU Horned Frogs’ Big 12 title chances are on life support, their crosstown rival in Dallas is living the high life in their first year with the ACC.
The SMU Mustangs have rolled to a 9-1 record on the season, their only loss being an 18-15 defeat at the hands of BYU. With a 6-0 record in ACC play, the Mustangs are in a perfect position to play for an ACC title with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.
After TCU convinced Sonny Dykes to leave the Mustangs and replace Gary Patterson in Fort Worth, SMU made Rhett Lashlee their head coach — and it proved to be the ideal move.
Last season, Lashlee led SMU to its first conference title since 1984 and has them winning games at a rate they haven’t seen since the years of the Pony Express. The Mustangs are 18-2 in their last 20 games and 17-1 in their last 18 regular season games.
So, with that, the Mustangs and Lashlee have agreed to a contract extension, as the school announced on Friday.
“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.
“He has operated in alignment with our values and represents SMU with class and integrity. 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. We’re excited that Rhett, Lauren, and his family will continue this journey with us and are looking forward to shaping champions and competing for championships for years to come.”
The third-year head coach couldn’t be happier about the vote of confidence, and says that he and his family are excited about their future in Dallas.
“Lauren, Hudson, Thomas, Rowyn, Scarlet and I are all so excited to be Mustangs,” said Lashlee. “We look forward to building upon our success and making our mark on college football’s national stage. I want to thank President Turner and Rick Hart, as well as Bill Armstong and David Miller and all the Trustees and SMU leadership for their belief in and commitment to me and my family. We are thrilled to be here for the long haul. Pony Up!”
