Rick Hart is stepping down after 13 years as athletic director at SMU, which in the past year completed its long-desired move into a power conference by becoming a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Hart has served in the role since 2012 and led the Mustangs in their transition to a power conference. His retirement comes shortly after President R.

SMU announced Hart's departure on Friday, marking an end to Hart's 12-plus years on the Hilltop. He'll stay in the role until a new athletics director is hired and on campus, but this will be his last academic year at SMU, the announcement said.

Hart leaves what's expected to be a highly sought-after job following SMU's conference switch and CFP appearance.