DALLAS (SMU) – Head coach Rhett Lashlee announced staff elevations on the SMU defense on Friday.

Maurice Crum Jr. and Rickey Hunley Jr. will continue as co-defensive coordinators, with Crum Jr. taking over playcalling duties on defense with the departure of Scott Symons to the Dallas Cowboys.

"Over the past four years our defense at SMU has improved at a rate we haven't seen in decades," Lashlee said. "The transformation has led to us winning and competing for a championship because we play championship-caliber defense. Maurice Crum Jr. and Rickey Hunley Jr. have been vital to our success, and I have full confidence they will build upon the defensive standard that has been set during our time on the Hilltop."

Crum Jr., who joined the SMU staff in January of 2023 and has served as the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator during his time on the Hilltop, has been instrumental in helping build a championship-caliber defense over the last several seasons. He's been recognized for his success, being named to the prestigious Dave Campbell's Texas Football 40 Under 40 List in 2024.

"This place means a lot to me," said Crum Jr. "I'm excited to build on what we've accomplished so far."

The linebackers played at a high level in the 2025 campaign, ranking 19th in the country in rush defense. Under Crum Jr.'s guidance, Brandon Booker, Alexander Kilgore and Brandon Miyazono all enjoyed success this year, with Booker and Kilgore both recording over 60 tackles on the season. Miyazono posted a breakout season, leading the team with eight PBUs.

The linebacking unit under Crum Jr. played a significant part in helping the Mustangs reach new heights in 2024, advancing to the program's first CFP berth along with an undefeated mark in the first season in the ACC. Both Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker led the way, earning All-ACC accolades for their play.

He has previously served as a co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss in 2021 and as defensive coordinator at Western Kentucky in 2020.

Hunley Jr. has been a stalwart throughout his time at SMU under Lashlee since joining the staff in December of 2021. During his tenure, the secondary has made significant strides in overall talent development and production. This past season, the Mustangs' defense swarmed the opposition, finishing in the top 10 in the FBS in red zone defense (fifth), passes intercepted (eighth) and defensive touchdowns (10th).

"This is a blessed opportunity," Hunley Jr. said. "We have laid the foundation, and I look forward to chasing our defensive standard."

In 2024, the secondary played a critical role in the defense finishing in the top 25 in the FBS in multiple categories, including defensive touchdowns (5th, 4), passes intercepted (14th, 16), and fourth-down conversion pct. defense (17th, .415), third down conversion pct. defense (19th, .332) and red zone defense (24th, .767).

The Mustangs' secondary wreaked havoc on their opponents in 2023, helping lead to the program's first conference championship since 1984 with an 11-3 record and going undefeated in conference play (8-0).

Hunley Jr.'s ability to develop talent has translated to the next level, with former Mustang standout Charles Woods playing a key piece in the secondary for the New England Patriots during their run to Super Bowl LX this past season.