SMU and Coach Lashlee Welcomes Kyle Ward to SMU Football Staff

Via Mustang Wire

DALLAS — SMU head football coach Rhett Lashlee announced Tuesday the addition of Kyle Ward to the Mustangs’ coaching staff. Ward joins the program as safeties coach.

Ward arrives on the Hilltop after an impressive tenure at South Oak Cliff High School, where he served as defensive coordinator since 2015. During that span, he established himself as one of the top defensive minds in Texas high school football.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Kyle Ward to our defensive staff,” Lashlee said. “He has been one of the top coaches in our state and the city of Dallas for years, winning multiple state championships as the defensive coordinator at South Oak Cliff. His football mind, ability to build relationships, and passion for recruiting and developing young men will help our program continue its upward trajectory.”

South Oak Cliff captured three Class 5A Division II state championships over the past five seasons, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Most recently, the Golden Bears finished the 2025 season with a 15-1 record and another state championship. Under Ward’s leadership, the defense allowed just 10.1 points per game and recorded seven shutouts during district play.

Ward has also demonstrated a strong track record in player development, most notably coaching Ja’Marcus Ingram, who currently plays for the Houston Texans.

“I’m excited to join the staff at SMU and contribute to the momentum they’ve built in pursuit of greatness,” Ward said. “Coach Lashlee is one of the best in the business.”

Prior to his success at South Oak Cliff, Ward gained collegiate coaching experience as a graduate assistant and cornerbacks coach at Texas A&M, along with a graduate assistant role at Boise State. A Dallas native, Ward also played collegiately at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he spent two seasons at cornerback and recorded 63 total tackles.