SMU announces hiring of Damon Evans as athletic director

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has officially hired Damon Evans, the former athletic director at Maryland, to lead its athletic department, marking a significant transition as Evans becomes SMU's first Black athletic director. The search for a new AD lasted six weeks following Rick Hart's announcement of his departure after over a decade in the role, coinciding with changes in university leadership. Evans, who has served at Maryland since 2017 and has overseen the winning of 49 Big Ten championships and three national championships, is expected to bring his experience to SMU as it continues its transition into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). His appointment is seen as part of SMU's strategy to enhance its profile in collegiate athletics amid broader changes in the landscape of college sports. Notably, Evans was also recently named to the College Football Playoff selection committee, further indicating his prominent status in the field. The decision aligns with SMU's efforts to establish a strong leadership team as it heads into a new era with its athletic programs.