Damon Evans named athletic director at SMU

Field Level Media|published: 03/22/2025, 10:22am EDT

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Then-Maryland Terrapins athletic director Damon Evans on the sidelines during the second half Southern California Trojans at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Damon Evans has been named the new athletic director at SMU, the school announced.

This will be Evans' third AD post. He previously led the athletic programs at Georgia (2004-10) and Maryland (2017-25).

"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," search committee co-chair David B. Miller said. "We found that in a world-class athletic director with experience leading in both the Big 10 and SEC conferences, and who will bring bold, innovative ideas to our campus."

Evans is a member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. He also is a member of the NCAA Transformation Committee and has served as chair of the NCAA Leadership Council.

"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. 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."

Evans was a four-year starter on Georgia's football team, playing in three bowl games under coach Vince Dooley.

-Field Level Media