Overview

• Damon Evans has officially left his position as Maryland's athletic director to accept a six-year deal with SMU, aligning with SMU's strategy to strengthen its athletics following its move to the ACC.
• Maryland basketball coach Kevin Willard has not signed a contract extension, citing dissatisfaction with program support and ongoing negotiations impacted by Evans' departure.
• Evans' tenure at Maryland included major facility investments but was marked by financial challenges, including a $6.8 million deficit as recently as 2022.
• Willard has publicly criticized Maryland's NIL funding and operational constraints, highlighting broader struggles within the university's athletic department to compete in the Big Ten.
• SMU's hiring of Evans reflects its ambition to secure a competitive position in college athletics, backed by significant booster funding and strategic investments.