According to SMU, Evans will start in this role on April 7.
DALLAS — Southern Methodist University has hired Damon Evans as its new athletic director following a national search, the school announced Friday.
Evans, who previously served as athletic director at the University of Maryland and the University of Georgia, will start in this role on April 7.
“While it is never easy to leave an institution that has become part of your family, the opportunity to come to SMU was too great to pass up,” Evans said in a press release from the university. “SMU has tremendous momentum in all aspects of its Athletics program, but I believe we can push to even greater heights. I am honored to join the University and to be a part of something truly special.”
At Maryland, Evans oversaw a department with 20 varsity sports, 500 student-athletes and a budget exceeding $120 million. During his tenure, the Terrapins won 49 Big Ten championships and seven national titles.
Evans was recently appointed to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and serves on the NCAA Transformation Committee.
“Our goal was to find a leader who shared our vision for the future of SMU Athletics – one of continued and even greater national prominence,” said SMU Board of Trustees Chair David B. Miller, who co-chaired the search committee. “Damon’s knowledge, experience and extensive contacts in intercollegiate athletics will be invaluable in leading our Athletics program to even greater success in the ACC while strategically navigating the evolving NIL landscape.”
Before joining Maryland in 2014, Evans worked in the private sector after serving as Georgia’s athletic director from 2004 to 2010. At Georgia, he oversaw 13 national championships and 19 SEC titles.
Evans replaces Rick Hart, who recently stepped down from the position. He takes over a program that set a school record with eight championship teams in 2023-24.
SMU is wrapping up its first year as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
