SMU is set to hire Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee as its next coach, according to multiple reports. Lashlee replaces Sonny Dykes, who will reportedly become the next coach at cross-town rival TCU. The hire is a bit of a homecoming for Lashlee, who served as offensive coordinator for the Mustangs from 2018-19 as a member of Dykes’ staff before going to the Hurricanes.
Lashlee’s time in Dallas was successful, as SMU exploded under Dykes and reached 10 wins for the first time since 1983. In addition to coordinator duties, Lashlee coached quarterback Shane Buechele to 3,929 yards and 34 passing touchdowns in 2019, both of which led the AAC and set SMU single-game records.
His success at SMU was transferrable to Miami, which jumped from 6-7 to 8-3 after Lashlee’s arrival as the program rose from No. 98 to No. 32 in total offense in his first season. Despite losing starting quarterback D’Eriq King to injury, the Hurricanes have stayed solid at No. 32 in total offense thanks to Lashlee’s work with freshman QB Tyler Van Dyke, who has thrown for 2,550 yards and 9.3 yards per pass attempt in nine appearances.
Prior to SMU, Lashlee also served as offensive coordinator at UConn, Auburn, Arkansas State and Samford. He was an integral part of the Auburn team in 2013 that pulled off shocking wins over Georgia and Alabama to reach the BCS National Championship where it lost to Florida State. Perhaps his best coaching job to date, however, was taking converted cornerback Nick Marshall and setting him up to throw for 1,976 yards, rush for 1,068 yards and score 26 total touchdowns during that 2013 season.
By investing in Lashlee, SMU is likely hoping to continue the Dallas campaign that helped the program reach new heights under Dykes’ watch. The Mustangs ran a major marketing campaign to rebrand SMU as Dallas’ college football team with great success. SMU notably put up billboards across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex advertising players’ hometowns and integrating with the community.
Lashlee served with multiple members of SMU’s coaching staff during his time of the Hilltop, including offensive line coach A.J. Ricker, wide receivers coach David Gru and running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples. With his wealth of experience across the SEC, AAC, Sun Belt and ACC, he will have a wide pool of connections to build a staff.
Under Dykes’ tutelage, SMU earned three consecutive bowl trips and posted a 25-9 record over the past three seasons. The Mustangs rank No. 3 among American Athletic Conference teams in the 247Sports Talent Composite, but will have to deal with the loss of three AAC powers to the Big 12 in the coming years.
