Andy Enfield Named Head Coach of SMU

Andy Enfield Named Head Men's Basketball Coach at SMU

Andy Enfield Named Head Men's Basketball Coach at SMU | Image: SMU/YouTube

On Monday, Andy Enfield was announced as the new head coach of SMU’s basketball team, enticed away from Southern California after an 11-year tenure.

After a 20-win season that marked only his second year in Dallas, Enfield steps in for Rob Lanier, who was terminated last month. SMU is set to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference starting next season.

“We are excited to announce Andy Enfield as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at SMU,” athletics director Rick Hart said in a release. “Coach Enfield is enthusiastic about joining the Mustang family and the ACC.”

“He has a strong track record of building winning teams on the court and in the classroom and pursuing championships with integrity. We believe he is a game changer for SMU Men’s Basketball.”

Following Lanier’s dismissal on March 21, Enfield emerged as the primary target for the Mustangs, shortly after their defeat to Indiana State in the NIT’s first round.

Enfield’s official introduction is scheduled for Tuesday.

“I am so excited to join the SMU family,” said Enfield. “It is an incredible time for the university as we enter the ACC. We will make Mustang fans and the city of Dallas proud and cannot wait to get started.”

Finishing his 11th season at USC, Enfield, 54, saw key players grappling with injuries, resulting in a 15-18 season for the Trojans.

During his tenure at USC, Enfield amassed a record of 220-147, appeared in the NCAA Tournament five times, and in the 2020-21 season, propelled the Trojans to the Elite Eight. Prior to USC, he coached at Florida Gulf Coast, where he guided the 15th-seeded Eagles to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2013.

Reportedly seeking a prominent figure for their move to the ACC, SMU, which concluded this season with a 20-13 record, opted for Enfield. The team had a tough season in 2022-23, finishing at 10-22, losing seven out of the last eight games, leading to Lanier’s release after two seasons with the program.

Since their first-round exit in 2016-17, the Mustangs have not qualified for the NCAA Tournament.

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