Rhett Lashlee, SMU finalizing contract extension to make him one of highest-paid coaches: Source

SMU and head coach Rhett Lashlee are finalizing a new two-year contract extension, placing Lashlee among the top-10 highest-paid coaches in college football. The extension, which runs through 2032, follows a successful tenure where Lashlee has led SMU to a 34-15 record over four seasons, including an American Conference championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. Despite a recent narrow loss to Wake Forest in ACC play, SMU remains competitive with a 5-3 overall record.

This contract extension arrives amid the availability of several high-profile coaching positions at universities like LSU, Penn State, Florida, and Arkansas, Lashlee’s alma mater. However, Lashlee's decision to stay at SMU reflects strong institutional support and alignment from the university, underpinned by investments in facilities and a robust NIL funding strategy. SMU's recent recruiting success, with the 2025 class ranked No. 34 and the 2026 class currently at No.