SMU athletic director Rick Hart will step down from his position near the end of the current academic year, the university announced Friday. He will continue to serve as athletic director until SMU can identify a replacement.

Hart leaves what's expected to be a highly sought-after job following SMU's conference switch and CFP appearance.

Hart has served in the role since 2012 and led the Mustangs in their transition to a power conference. His announcement comes shortly after President

Rick Hart is stepping down after 13 years as athletic director at SMU. The move comes with the school now in the Atlantic Coast Conference after completing a long-desired move into a power conference.

SMU athletics director Rick Hart announced Friday he will step down at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. A third-generation athletics administrator, Hart has been SMU's athletics director since 2012. From a football perspective, the Hart era has been a successful one on the Hilltop:

SMU athletic director Rick Hart announced Friday that he will be leaving his position at the end of the school year. "It is with tremendous pride, heartfelt love, and yes,