Damon Evans is a well known college athletics administrator, holding AD roles at Georgia and Maryland.
Now he’s heading to Texas as SMU’s new athletics director.
“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. 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,” said search committee co-chair and Board of Trustees Chair David B. Miller in a statement. “Damon has led two top-tier athletics programs, and now he will lead a third. Damon’s knowledge, experience and extensive contacts in intercollegiate athletics will be invaluable in leading our Athletics program to even greater success in the ACC while strategically navigating the evolving NIL landscape.”
Evans is not only an experienced administrator, but he’s also a seasoned business executive.
He’s held senior positions at Evolution Sports Partners in New Jersey, IMG College in North Carolina and the Markley Group in Boston, with responsibilities including business development and fundraising.
Evans played football at Georgia, where he earned a degree in finance and a masters in sports management.
He returned to his Alma matter as its AD from 2004-2010, helping to build its athletics department reserve fund up to $65 million in just six years and leading the department to multiple national championships.
In 2018, he was named the AD at the University of Maryland, where he oversaw 20 varsity sports, 500 student-athletes, a full-time staff of over 200 and a budget exceeding $120 million annually.
Now he moves to SMU, which joined the ACC and is rebuilding itself into a national powerhouse in many sports including football.
“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,” said Evans. “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.”
