SMU Football Makes Underrated Hire After Playoff Season
SMU Football Makes Underrated Hire After Playoff Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Rhett Lashlee and SMU Football have added a former Texas high school offensive coordinator to his support staff. According to Mike Roach of 247Sports, former North Texas staffer Matthew McHugh has taken over as the Mustangs director of player personnel.
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For SMU, this is an underrated hire in the Lone Star State. McHugh joins the Mustangs at the right time as well. SMU is coming off an 11-3 record in their ACC debut season, where they lost to Clemson in the conference title game. But ultimately took a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and suffered a 38-10 loss to Penn State in the first round.
However, there is a lot to be excited about in Dallas. Lashlee's team has proven to be a contender as the upcoming season approaches. The Mustangs offense rolls through quarterback Kevin Jennings as he enters the season with some preseason Heisman buzz. While he is considered a dark horse, expect the junior passer to turn heads in SMU's 'run it back' year.
Related: From death penalty to power play: SMU rebirth in college football
The Mustangs also bring back their entire coaching staff with McHugh being the latest addition.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.

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