Rhett Lashlee Leaving UConn to Become SMU Offensive Coordinator

UConn football has been dealt a major blow as offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will leave the Huskies to accept the same position at SMU. The news was first reported by Billy Embody of Pony Stampede, who also reports that the Mustangs beat out “multiple” Power-Five programs after Lashlee.

“The draw to be closer to home for Lauren and I (with 4 young kids) was something we could not pass up,” Lashlee said in a statement. “There is no doubt in my mind the UConn program is moving in a great direction under Coach Edsall’s leadership.”

This is a huge loss for UConn, as Lashlee brought the Huskies from being the second-worst offense in the nation in 2016 to 49th in total offense in his first and only season with the Huskies. The passing offensive improved from 94th to 34th as well.

With Lashlee calling the plays, UConn surpassed the 27-point mark five times this season, something they only managed four times the previous three years combined.

Lashlee joined Randy Edsall’s staff from Auburn, much to the surprise of many in the college football world. Not only was a lateral move from an SEC powerhouse to a program that has struggled for most of the decade, but he also took a pay cut in doing so.

Now, Edsall is left to find someone new to lead the offense. Luckily, the early signing period likely prevents any potential recruiting losses from Lashlee’s departure.