Lashlee leaving UConn football staff for job at SMU
Offensive coordinator is taking same post with AAC rival SMU
Storrs — Rhett Lashlee, who orchestrated a dramatic turnaround in his first season as the UConn football program's offensive coordinator, is leaving Storrs to take the same position at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. UConn announced the news on Thursday. It's a tough loss for the Huskies, who went from 122nd to 49th in the country in total offense at 415.2 yards per game during Lashlee's short stint on head coach Randy Edsall's staff. Their scoring output increased from 178 points in 2016 to 283 points last season.
It's a bit more damaging considering Lashlee was hired by SMU, a fellow member of the American Athletic Conference.
In a released statement, Lashlee thanked Husky Nation, Edsall, athletic director David Benedict and chief operating officer Beth Goetz, players, coaches and staff.
"I will always be grateful for my time at UConn," Lashlee said. "At the end of the day, the draw to be closer to home for Lauren and I (with four young kids) was something we could not pass up at this time. There is no doubt in my mind the UConn program is moving in a great direction under coach Edsall's leadership. The future in Storrs is definitely bright."
Lashlee and his wife are both from Arkansas, so the move will take them closer to home.
Since the season ended, Lashlee has reportedly been job hunting. He interviewed for the Rutgers offensive coordinator vacancy, according to New Jersey Advance Media, before being hired by SMU.
Given Lashlee's experience, it's no surprise that he's a desirable candidate.
Prior to coming to UConn, Lashlee spent four seasons leading Auburn's offensive potent attack. His resume also includes offensive coordinator jobs at Arkansas State (2012) and Samford (2011). He's
twice been a finalist for the Broyles Award that is given to the nation's top assistant coach.
After signing a three-year contract and joining the Huskies in January, Lashlee installed a new uptempo offense that averaged 23.6 points, a huge leap from 14.8 points (last in the nation) in 2016. UConn went from 94th to 34th in passing offense.
The Huskies finished 3-9 overall, 2-6 in the AAC, losing at SMU, 49-28, on Sept. 30. SMU finished 7-6, 4-4, and suffered a 51-10 loss to Louisiana Tech in the DXL Frisco Bowl on Dec. 20.
"I really appreciate Rhett's contribution to our program this year and want to wish Rhett and his family well with his new opportunity at SMU," Edsall said.
Lashlee, 34, also will serve as the quarterbacks coach at SMU.
"I'm excited to add Rhett to our staff," SMU coach Sonny Dykes said in a release. "He has experience as an offensive coordinator at the highest level — a national championship level — and also knows our league. He is one of the sharp young minds in our profession."