Rhett Lashlee is a distinguished American college Football coach currently serving as the head coach at Southern Methodist University (SMU). His coaching journey began after a successful playing career at the University of Arkansas, where he showcased his skills as a quarterback. Lashlee’s early coaching experience included a pivotal role at Springdale High School, where he honed his abilities under the mentorship of Gus Malzahn, leading to a successful stint as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas.
In 2011, Lashlee made significant strides as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Samford University. His innovative high-tempo offense led to a remarkable improvement in the team’s performance, boosting their scoring from 17 to 26 points per game and enhancing their national ranking. This success paved the way for his next role at Arkansas State University, where he continued to build on his offensive expertise following Malzahn’s departure.
Lashlee’s tenure at Auburn University from 2013 to 2016 marked a high point in his career, as he was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Broyles Award, honoring the nation’s top college Football assistant coach. His strategic acumen contributed to Auburn’s offensive success during this period, solidifying his reputation as a leading offensive mind in college Football.
After a successful stint at the University of Connecticut, Lashlee returned to SMU in 2018 as the offensive coordinator, where he further demonstrated his coaching prowess. His leadership culminated in his appointment as head coach in 2021, where he continues to inspire and develop young athletes, driving the program towards new heights.