SMU Launches Urgent Search for New Offensive Coordinator

BREAKING: SMU is in urgent need of a new offensive coordinator following the announcement that Casey Woods has been hired as the next head coach of Missouri State. Woods, who has led the Mustangs’ offensive unit for the past four seasons, will continue coaching through the Holiday Bowl on January 2, 2024. This sudden vacancy creates a critical situation for head coach Rhett Lashlee, who now faces the task of replacing a key member of his staff.

Woods played an integral role in developing an SMU offense that ranked in the top-35 nationally for points and yards per game this season. Lashlee, who has worked alongside Woods for nearly a decade, must act swiftly to secure a new offensive leader, as the Mustangs aim for a strong performance in the upcoming bowl game and beyond.

The search for Woods’ replacement is already underway, with several intriguing candidates emerging.

Potential Candidates:

1. **Derrick King**: Currently serving as the Mustangs’ quarterbacks coach, the 28-year-old King is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. In his third season with SMU, he has developed quarterbacks like Kevin Jennings and Preston Stone, who both excelled at power-conference programs this year. King previously played under Lashlee at Miami, establishing a close coaching bond that could lead to his promotion.

2. **Ryan Brewer**: A familiar face to SMU, Brewer previously held the offensive coordinator position before moving to Duke. He is credited with developing quarterbacks Maalik Murphy and Darian Mensah, leading to an ACC title run this year. Brewer’s history with Lashlee and success with SMU’s offense makes him a strong contender for a return.

3. **Zach Likens**: Serving as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, Likens has a track record of mentoring talent, including Rashee Rice, who led the FBS in receiving yards per game. His extensive experience as an offensive coordinator at programs like Kansas and Arizona State positions him as a viable choice for promotion.

4. **Garrett Riley**: The former SMU offensive coordinator now at Clemson, Riley has garnered attention after leading a successful offensive unit. Despite a challenging 2025 season, he has a proven record, including a Broyles Award win in 2022. With discussions about his future at Clemson, SMU could look to bring him back to the Hilltop, despite the lack of a direct coaching relationship with Lashlee.

As the timeline for this decision tightens, the Mustangs are under pressure to find a candidate who can seamlessly transition into this pivotal role. The outcome of this search could significantly impact the team’s performance in the upcoming bowl game as well as their long-term offensive strategy.

Stay tuned as developments unfold in this urgent search for SMU’s next offensive coordinator. The decision is critical not only for the immediate future but also for the broader trajectory of the program as it seeks to build on the success achieved under Woods.

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