Despite leading SMU to a 20-12 record this season, Rob Lanier has been relieved of his coaching duties. College basketball insider Jeff Goodman was first to report this shocking news.
“Lanier has been the head coach for 2 seasons, and just won 20 games this past season after improving from 10 wins his first season,” Goodman said. “Lost to Indiana State last night in the NIT. I know they are going into the ACC next season, but this is ridiculous. Told the decision came from above AD Rick Hart.”
Lanier coached at Georgia State from 2019-2022 before landing the SMU job. In his first season with the Mustangs, he went 10-22.
SMU showed a lot of growth this year under Lanier’s leadership before getting eliminated by Indiana State in the opening round of the NIT.
It’s possible that SMU already knows who it’ll target as its next head coach. If so, maybe that’s why they were so eager to part ways with Lanier.
With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, coaches like Dusty May and Will Wade will have plenty of opportunities to improve their stock.
Perhaps SMU will make an enticing offer to someone like Wade in the offseason.