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In the world of college athletics, rumors and speculation are a constant. From coaching changes to school transfers and even athletic director shifts, there’s never a shortage of stories circulating, particularly when it comes to high-profile programs. One such rumor that recently made waves was the possibility of Chris Del Conte, the athletic director for the University of Texas Longhorns, making a move to Southern Methodist University (SMU). The buzz around this potential change came as a surprise to many in the Texas athletic community, especially given Del Conte’s successful tenure with the Longhorns.

However, in an announcement that brought clarity to the situation, Chris Del Conte firmly dismissed the rumors, confirming that he is staying put in Austin, leading the Longhorns’ athletic department. Here’s a look at the background behind the rumors, why Del Conte is such an integral part of Texas athletics, and what this decision means moving forward for both Texas and SMU.

### The Rise of Chris Del Conte at Texas

Before diving into the dismissal of the SMU rumors, it’s important to understand who Chris Del Conte is and why he’s such a critical figure in Texas athletics. Del Conte was appointed as the athletic director of the University of Texas in 2017, taking the reins of one of the most storied athletic programs in the country. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in reshaping the athletic department and leading it toward a more prosperous future.

Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas has enjoyed a surge of success across a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. His ability to navigate the complexities of a top-tier athletic program and manage its resources has been key in maintaining Texas’ status as one of the premier sports universities in the nation.

In particular, Del Conte has been instrumental in improving the Texas Longhorns football program. He played a vital role in the hiring of head coach Steve Sarkisian, a move that was widely praised as a necessary step in restoring the football team to national prominence. In addition, Del Conte has worked tirelessly to ensure the Longhorns remain competitive in other sports, making strategic investments and strengthening the department’s infrastructure.

Del Conte’s leadership style, characterized by a combination of vision, communication, and advocacy for student-athletes, has earned him respect throughout the collegiate athletics landscape. His work ethic and dedication to Texas have made him a beloved figure among fans, coaches, and players alike.

### The SMU Rumors: What Sparked the Speculation?

Rumors linking Chris Del Conte to SMU started circulating in the wake of a leadership change at the private university. SMU, which has had a somewhat tumultuous athletic history but a passionate fanbase, was in search of a new athletic director after the departure of its previous AD. Given Del Conte’s success at Texas, it’s understandable why people might speculate that SMU would be interested in bringing him on board to lead their program into a new era.

In addition to his success at Texas, Del Conte has strong ties to Texas’ larger athletic and business community. He has proven that he can manage a complex, large-scale operation, which naturally made him an attractive candidate for schools looking to make a big splash in their athletic departments. This only fueled speculation that he could be a possible candidate for the open AD position at SMU, a university with significant resources that might want to make a competitive push in NCAA sports.

There’s also the fact that Del Conte had previously spent time at SMU earlier in his career, making him familiar with the university and its athletic culture. This connection likely added fuel to the fire, leading many to wonder if he might consider returning to SMU, particularly as Texas had recently moved to the SEC, signaling a new chapter in the Longhorns’ athletic journey.

However, despite the mounting rumors, Del Conte quickly made it clear that he was not entertaining any such move.

### Chris Del Conte’s Response to the Rumors

In a statement that was both direct and emphatic, Chris Del Conte dismissed the speculation about his potential departure from Texas, firmly stating that he was committed to staying with the Longhorns for the foreseeable future.

Del Conte expressed gratitude for his role at Texas, highlighting his deep connection to the university and its athletic department. He emphasized that he was fully invested in continuing the work he had started and that his focus remained on improving Texas athletics in every way possible. According to Del Conte, he had no plans to leave Texas, making it clear that his allegiance lies with the Longhorns as they embark on the next phase of their sports legacy, particularly with the upcoming transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The decision to stay at Texas was met with relief and approval from many within the Texas athletic community. Fans, players, and coaches alike have come to appreciate Del Conte’s leadership, and his commitment to the university’s success has been unwavering. For Texas, having Del Conte at the helm during such a significant time in the program’s history is crucial as the Longhorns prepare to compete in one of the most competitive and prestigious conferences in college sports.

### Why Del Conte is Staying: The Future of Texas Athletics

There are several reasons why Chris Del Conte is staying put at Texas and why his decision to remain as athletic director is a boon for the Longhorns. First and foremost, Del Conte is deeply invested in Texas’ future. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC, which is set to happen in the coming seasons, will be one of the most significant transitions in the university’s athletic history. Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas is poised to make a strong impact in the SEC, competing against some of the nation’s top programs and continuing to build on its legacy.

Del Conte’s vision for Texas athletics includes a commitment to both competitiveness and excellence. Whether it’s supporting coaches and athletes, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, or forging strong partnerships with donors and sponsors, Del Conte’s leadership has been focused on positioning Texas as a leader in all aspects of college athletics.

Additionally, Del Conte’s relationship with the University of Texas administration and his involvement in university-wide initiatives have made him an invaluable member of the Texas leadership team. His work extends beyond the athletic department, ensuring that Texas’ athletics programs align with the university’s overall mission and values.

Finally, the Longhorns have made significant investments in their future success, including infrastructure projects like the expansion of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium and the continued growth of the Texas Longhorns brand. Del Conte’s role in these initiatives is crucial to ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of collegiate athletics, both on and off the field.

### What This Means for SMU

For SMU, the decision by Del Conte to stay at Texas means that they will have to look elsewhere for an athletic director who can lead their program into the future. While Del Conte was a logical candidate, it’s clear that SMU will need to focus its search on finding an AD with the right experience and vision to guide the university’s athletic department. Given Del Conte’s ties to the school, it’s likely that SMU will continue to have a connection with him in some capacity, but for now, their search for leadership will continue.

For now, Texas fans can rest easy knowing that Del Conte’s leadership will remain firmly in place. As the Longhorns continue to prepare for the challenges ahead, Del Conte’s expertise and dedication will be vital in navigating the shifting landscape of college athletics.

### Conclusion

Chris Del Conte’s decision to stay with the Texas Longhorns athletic program is a win for the university and its sports community. As rumors surrounding a potential move to SMU swirled, Del Conte decisively put those to rest, reaffirming his commitment to Texas. His leadership has helped shape the future of Texas athletics, and as the Longhorns prepare for new challenges, having Del Conte at the helm will ensure they are in the best possible position to succeed.