Rick Hart Resigns

[birddogger]

I just received notice that Rick Hart will resign/retire as AD, but will remain at SMU until a new director is hired.

This caught me by surprise, but I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of SMU athletics.

Does anyone have the scoop on this?

[highlander]

My guess is this has to do with the new president coming in.

[Webmaster]

Multiple sources reporting SMU Athletic Director Rick Hart is leaving SMU. The reason why varies depending on what rumor mill source you believe.

Mr. Hart has received his share of criticism on this forum, but no one can deny that the program is wildly better off today than when he took over from Orsini 13 years ago.

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/smu-mustangs/2025/02/07/longtime-smu-athletic-director-rick-hart-to-step-down-at-the-end-of-the-year/?sailthru_id=6432d499900ab70b53074341&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breaking_Sports_02072025&utm_term=Sports%20Breaking%20News

[PerunaPunch]

Is Hartzell bringing in Del Conte?

[SMUguy]

My guess is this has to do with the new president coming in.

That was my guess. I wonder if it was one of the stipulations for him taking the job.
It certainly isn't uncommon for a new boss to come in and bring in some of his/her people/friends/former co-workers.
Good luck in your next chapter, Rick.

[GHammond]

From DC to Big D, it’s what you do. #Onward

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Rick Hart Announces Departure as SMU Director of Athletics
Hart will continue to serve in his role until a new leader is identified and on campus

DALLAS (SMU) – Rick Hart, SMU director of athletics, has announced this will be his last academic year at SMU. Hart will continue to serve in his role until a new leader is identified and on campus.

"It is with tremendous pride, heartfelt love, and yes, mixed emotions, that I share I have made the decision that this academic year will be my last at SMU," Hart said. "After the honor of leading the Department of Athletics for 13 years, it is time for a new challenge for me and for a new voice to lead the Mustangs, allowing President-Elect Hartzell to move forward with his own vision and leader as SMU moves forward in this new landscape of collegiate athletics."

Hart, a third-generation athletics administrator, led the Mustangs to win championships, enhanced the student-athlete experience, graduated impressive student-athletes, invested in facility projects, and raised the bar in almost all other aspects of the University's athletics program. Among his many accomplishments, SMU joined the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference, expanding the University's reputation both athletically and academically.

"During his 13 years at SMU, Rick has led our Department of Athletics with character, class and integrity, and he has made this decision the same way," SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. "With my upcoming transition to President Emeritus and the arrival of President-elect Jay Hartzell, Rick believes that now is a good time for both him and SMU to move forward. His decision allows President-elect Hartzell to select his own Director of Athletics who aligns with his vision for the post-antitrust settlement world of intercollegiate athletics."

Hart joined SMU in 2012 after six years as director of athletics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he transformed the Athletics Department into a model program. Prior to that, he served seven years at the University of Oklahoma in various athletics administrative capacities and worked in athletics for the University of North Carolina and East Carolina University.

In the coming weeks, the University will begin the search for the future leadership of SMU's Department of Athletics.

[Charleston Pony]

"Time for a new opportunity" (when he's not leaving to take a specific job elsewhere) presumably means the new President is going to bring in his own guy. Hopefully on to new heights for this athletic department

[TwoTimeGrad]

"Time for a new opportunity" (when he's not leaving to take a specific job elsewhere) presumably means the new President is going to bring in his own guy. Hopefully on to new heights for this athletic department

Bingo. He left us in a better place.

[Mustangs_Maroons]

Sounds like an upgrade is upcoming. CDC?

[Water Pony]

Although Rick fumbled a bit on MBB, he quietly led a tremendous transformation and conference upgrade, including stronger non-revenue coaches for Men and Women.

We should be very grateful for his efforts to raise our athletic profile and make it seem seamless.

Thanks, Rick

[PonyFan]

Doubt it ... but it wasn't that long ago that Hartzell-to-SMU seemed ridiculous, too.

[BUS]

Now, let's get really good.

[BUS]

Prayers answered.

[Dukie]

Now, let's get really good.

Hartzell had a role, yes? Has to be the case.