SMU athletic director Rick Hart will step down from his position near the end of the current academic year, the university announced Friday. He will continue to serve as athletic director until SMU can identify a replacement.

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

Southern Methodist University announced athletic director Rick Hart will step down later this year. After 13 years of service, Hart has decided to embark on a new challenge after the university reached it's long-sought goal of transitioning into a power conference.

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

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.

Athletic Director Rick Hart announced in a statement Friday he will be stepping down from his position after more than a decade leading the Mustangs. Hartzell will now get the chance to bring in his own athletic director when he officially takes over as president on June 1.