Chris Wood joined the Mustangs in the summer of 2025 as Director of High School Relations.
He was promoted to Executive Director of High School Relations in the spring of 2026.
In year one on the Hilltop, Wood was part of a Mustangs' team that went 9-4 on the year, highlighted by a statement win against No. 10 Miami at Ford Stadium on Nov. 1. SMU went on to go 6-2 in its second season in the ACC and recorded its first bowl victory since 2012 with a win against No. 17 Arizona in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl.
Wood brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the high school world to the Mustangs. He has spent multiple decades coaching in Arkansas, resulting in elite success and numerous state championships. Over 21 years as a head coach, he made eight state semi-final appearances, four state championship games, and won two state titles.
Wood also coached Lashlee in both junior high and high school. He also spent time as the offensive coordinator under famed head coach Mickey Moss at Austin High School, playing an instrumental role in turning the program around before returning to Arkansas in his coaching journey. Moss, who spent 25 seasons as a head coach, recorded 180 career wins and made the playoffs 16 times while also capturing six district titles, noticed Wood's coaching ability immediately from his early days coaching in Arkansas.
