Since taking control of the SMU Mustangs football program in 2022, Rhett Lashlee has quickly established himself as one of college football’s top head coaches. Understandably, that’s led to significant interest in acquiring his services, with the university seeking to secure him for as long as possible.
What do we know about Lashlee’s salary, contract, and net worth with SMU as he finishes up his third season in Dallas?
Rhett Lashlee’s Salary and Contract in 2024
The answer to that initial question is not a lot. USA Today reports that Lashlee’s 2024 salary was $2,360,640. However, Southern Methodist University is a private establishment that isn’t bound to reveal any financial details of its employees.
Throughout his three-year tenure, Lashlee’s contract and salary have been a carefully guarded secret, even as he signed a contract extension in late November 2024 after incredible success this fall. Reports suggest his new deal keeps him in Dallas until 2030, but those have no official confirmation.
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It’s a fair assumption that Lashlee’s salary saw a significant increase with the most recent extension, which comes just one year after he secured an increased contract after guiding the Mustangs to success in the AAC Championship Game.
While we don’t have figures for Lashlee’s salary, it is thought that the SMU coach is compensated competitively for the success he’s brought to the Mustangs during his three-year stint at the helm. Chris Vannini of the Athletic reported on Nov. 22, 2024, that one SMU booster told him that “if they were to lose him [Lashlee], it wouldn’t be over money.”
That would imply that the SMU head coach is now among the highest-paid coaches in the ACC. It’s unlikely he matches Dabo Swinney or Mike Norvell in the $10 million club, but it would be a surprise if he’s paid less than outgoing Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Dave Clawson or Virginia Tech Hokies leader Brent Pry, who are both within in the $4.7 million bracket.
Since arriving in Dallas ahead of the 2022 college football season, Lashlee has compiled a 29-11 overall record as the SMU head coach. He’s guided the program to an AAC title, and the ACC Championship Game at the first time of asking following the program’s leap to the Power Four level. He’s clearly well respected within the walls of a program with a rich history.
“Rhett was the clear choice when we conducted our head-coaching search in 2021, and everything he and his staff have accomplished only validates our decision,” athletic director Rick Hart said on announcing Lashlee’s contract extension.
“He has operated in alignment with our values and represents SMU with class and integrity. As we go through a time of significant change in college athletics and the college athletics model, Rhett has been an invaluable partner and leader.”
Lashlee’s Net Worth
With the terms of Lashlee’s contract extension in 2024 under lock and key, with no details even of his contract length, it’s impossible to assign a net worth to the SMU head coach.
Furthermore, there were no details released of his salary with the Miami Hurricanes from 2020-2021. He did earn around $2.5 million from stints with the Arkansas State Red Wolves, Auburn Tigers, and UConn Huskies from 2012 to 2017.
While we may not be able to put a fiscal value on Lashlee’s net worth, his contributions to the program’s development ensure that his true value to SMU far outweighs any number on a profit and loss account.
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