Lashlee Says He Wants to Stay at SMU
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee says he is happy at SMU and has no interest in the Florida State opening after Mike Norvell's firing.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
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SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said on Tuesday he is happy at SMU and wants to stay, after his name was linked to the Florida State head coaching job. Florida State fired Mike Norvell on Sunday after the team dropped to 3-5 on the season.
Why it matters
Lashlee has frequently been floated as a candidate for SEC and ACC openings, and his program's recent success has drawn attention from larger programs. His decision to stay keeps SMU's leadership intact as the program adjusts to the ACC.
Lashlee has beaten Florida State in both meetings since SMU joined the ACC in 2024, while Florida State was 3-5 when Norvell was fired. Lashlee's salary is not public because SMU is a private school, so his compensation relative to other ACC coaches cannot be confirmed.
The players
Rhett Lashlee
Rhett Lashlee is in his fifth year as SMU head coach and previously served as Miami's offensive coordinator.
Mike Norvell
Mike Norvell was fired as Florida State head coach on Sunday after the team struggled to a 3-5 start.
The details
Lashlee addressed the Florida State rumors when asked by reporters on Tuesday, saying he is content at SMU. SMU's boosters have vowed to pay him a salary competitive with the nation's top coaches, and he has signed contract extensions in November of the last three seasons.
Timeline
2020: Lashlee left SMU to become Miami's offensive coordinator.
2024: SMU joined the ACC.
Sunday (November 1, 2026): Florida State fired Mike Norvell.
Tuesday (November 3, 2026): Lashlee said he is content at SMU.
2032 season: End of Lashlee's most recent contract extension.
Season Trajectory
Lashlee's name surfacing for Florida State reflects SMU's rise since joining the ACC in 2024, when it began beating the conference's traditional powers. His decision to stay shapes how the program rebuilds at quarterback, with Kevin Jennings leaving this offseason.
SMU fans can expect continuity at head coach, which matters for recruiting and roster planning. Fantasy and betting followers should watch how the quarterback position is filled, since Jennings is leaving this offseason.
The takeaway
Coaching stability at SMU is tied to the program's recent success, and Lashlee's decision to stay signals his commitment to building on it in the ACC.
What happens next
Lashlee would need to return for a sixth season at SMU, which would require the program to rebuild at quarterback after Kevin Jennings's departure.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage for the wider coaching carousel around the college game.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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