The search has begun for a new person in charge of SMU’s athletic department. After over a decade as the Mustangs' athletic director, Rick Hart announced Friday that he would be leaving his role at the end of the school year to make way for new president Jay Hartzell to carry out his vision for SMU athletics.

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

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.

SMU announced Hart's departure on Friday, marking an end to Hart's 12-plus years on the Hilltop. He'll stay in the role until a new athletics director is hired and on campus, but this will be his last academic year at SMU, the announcement said.

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,

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: