Southern Methodist University (SMU) has announced the appointment of Damon Evans as its new athletic director. Evans, who currently holds the same position at the University of Maryland, has been instrumental in the growth of Maryland’s athletics since he took on the role in 2018.

Evans is set to take over for Rick Hart, who played a pivotal role in SMU’s transition into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) last year. Prior to his tenure at Maryland, Evans served as the athletic director at the University of Georgia, establishing himself as a respected leader within collegiate sports.

Recent Developments in Maryland Athletics

The timing of Evans’ departure comes amid ongoing rumors involving Maryland’s men’s basketball coach, Kevin Willard, and the University of Villanova. Willard led the Terrapins to a strong season, securing a second-place finish in the Big Ten as well as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Following rumors of interest from Villanova, which recently made coaching changes, speculation about Willard’s future at Maryland remains intense.

Maryland is set to face Grand Canyon University, a 13-seed, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament shortly after the announcement of Evans’ new role.

In a recent statement, Willard acknowledged the changes at the top, noting, “Evans is probably going to SMU,” while also commenting on the challenges posed by the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly in regard to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) demands.

Implications of The Coaching Carousel

The current shifts in leadership extend beyond Evans’ move. Villanova’s recent decision to part ways with coach Kyle Neptune, following a disappointing three-season tenure without an NCAA Tournament appearance, has opened doors for a number of coaching prospects. Neptune replaced two-time national champion coach Jay Wright, making his departure particularly notable in collegiate basketball circles.