Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans has emerged as the top target for the same role at SMU. This new job would see Evans move from College Park, Mary. to University Park, Tex., and from the Big Ten to the ACC.
Evans has been the athletic director at Maryland since 2017. Last year, Maryland extended his contract through June 2029; however, he could leave should a better opportunity arise at SMU.
Maryland AD Damon Evans Emerges As Top Target for SMU Athletic Director Role
After Damon Evans took over at Maryland as its athletic director, Maryland won three national championships in his tenure—one for men’s soccer, one for women’s lacrosse, and one for men’s lacrosse.
“Maryland Athletics has experienced tremendous success under the leadership of Damon Evans,” Maryland President Darryll Pines said in a statement. “In a transformative time in the collegiate landscape, Damon has proved to be an extremely effective leader in guiding our athletic department to championship heights, both on and off the playing field.”
“He has positioned our Terrapins for long-term success on the national stage,” he continued.
The SMU Mustangs are looking to complete a “splashy Texas two-step” by landing an SEC president in Jay Hartzell and an athletic director from the Big Ten in Evans. While nothing is set in stone for the athletic director, Evans has completed an interview with SMU and appears to be their top target.
Fans could and should expect the new athletic director to make some changes in the women’s basketball department, specifically at SMU. Toyelle Wilson has a record of 55-64 in her four seasons at SMU, and she could very well be on the hot seat if things don’t change quickly.
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As for football, Rhett Lashlee took over with SMU in 2024 and led the team to a very good first season. Going 11-3 overall and undefeated in conference play, SMU reached the first round of the College Football Playoff.
One thing we know for sure is that with a change in the athletic director comes changes for the teams. It seems like SMU could start seeing those changes sooner rather than later, especially if Evans comes in. As the search comes to a head, expect an announcement fairly soon confirming the new athletic director.
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