Reports: Rob Lanier out as SMU coach after 20-win season

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st March, 15:12 2024

Jan 7, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rob Lanier (left) talks with forward Samuell Williamson (10) during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. credits: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

SMU dismissed men's basketball coach Rob Lanier on Thursday, a day after the team's loss in the NIT and following a 20-win season, per multiple media reports.

Lanier held the job for two seasons.

In his first season, the Mustangs finished 10-22 but rebounded to finish 20-13 (11-7 American Athletic Conference) this season. They lost in the NIT to No. 1 seed Indiana State, a team that had a season worthy of an NCAA Tournament appearance, 101-92.

Lanier, 55, previously was the head coach at Siena (2001-05) and Georgia State (2019-22) and has a 141-135 career record. He led each of those teams to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

In the years between his stints at Siena and Georgia State, he was an assistant coach at Virginia, Florida, Texas and Tennessee.

SMU will join the Atlantic Coast Conference next season.

—Field Level Media

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