SMU’s athletic director Rick Hart announced Friday that he will leave his position at the end of the school year.
“It is with tremendous pride, cordial love and yes, mixed feelings, that I share with you that I have made the decision that this academic year will be my last at SMU,” Hart wrote in a statement to X.
“… it’s time for a new challenge for me and for a new voice to lead Mustangs.”
It’s been a heck of a ride! To Mustangs – and to what’s on the horizon! #Buddy pic.twitter.com/jo3skcnsbl
– Rick Hart (@ad_rickhart) February 7, 2025
Hart took over as athletic manager at SMU in July 2012. He was responsible for monitoring Mustang’s shift to the Atlantic Conference, which came into force with the school year 2024-25. During the first year at the conference, the football program advanced to 12-team college football games.
His departure coincides with University President R. Gerald Turner, who announced last summer that he would leave school from June. 1.
Hart said that by leaving now, the incoming president Jay Hartzell – most recently the president at the University of Texas – will be able to “move on with his own vision.”
In his statement, Hart not specified what his next move will be.
“When I interviewed for this job, President Turner shared that he wanted a national competitive athletics program on a par with the university’s quality,” Hart said in his statement. “The assignment was completed! Of course, there is always more we could have done and more that is ahead, but I am excited for what comes the next for me and for SMU free sports.”
In a news message, SMU said it will start searching for Hart’s successor “in the coming weeks.”
-Field level media
