SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee addressed speculation linking him to the Arkansas opening this week. The Mustangs coach fielded questions about his alma mater after the Razorbacks fired Sam Pittman.
Lashlee deflected the speculation while speaking with reporters. He emphasized his commitment to SMU’s current trajectory.
“I don’t stand anywhere on speculation and hypotheticals,” Lashlee said. “I’m happy. I’ve got a great job. I think when your name gets linked to jobs, it means your team has done well, the program has done well. And then a lot of times there’s obvious connections. I mean, if it’s your alma mater, it’s easy to link names. But I haven’t given it any thought because there hasn’t been anything to give thought to.”
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The timing puts Lashlee in a familiar position for coaches. SMU enters conference play at 2-2 after non-conference games. The Mustangs host Syracuse this weekend for a sold-out Family Weekend game.
Lashlee pointed to SMU’s recruiting momentum as evidence of his focus. The program has built something substantial in Dallas.
“We’ve begun to build something really fun, and what we can build is even more special,” Lashlee said. “We’ve got a top 25 recruiting class in 2026 and a lot of guys on this roster that can come back. Those are the guys we’re focused on.”
The former Arkansas quarterback knows the speculation won’t disappear quickly. He acknowledged the coaching business creates these situations regularly.
“Internally, we haven’t said a word about it ’cause in my world, nothing’s going on. Outside the world, there’s a lot of speculation and that’s part of our business. It’s probably not going anywhere.”
Lashlee didn’t completely shut the door on future possibilities. That measured response will likely keep his name in Arkansas conversations until the Razorbacks hire their next coach.
SMU fans heard their coach emphasize the program’s upward trajectory. Arkansas fans will note what Lashlee didn’t say about his long-term plans.
