Head Football Coach Chad Morris was named one of the “Top 15 Coaches on the Rise in 2015” by Athlon Sports.

In December, Morris was chosen to replace June Jones as head coach, who resigned for personal reasons.

The head coaching job is a homecoming for the Dallas native, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Clemson and Tulsa.

His ties to Texas high school football could prove to be a valuable asset in his effort to turn the SMU program around.

“Morris is one of the brightest offensive minds in college football,” writes Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports.

Under his direction, Clemson went from 10th in scoring in the ACC to first or second three years in a row, won the ACC Championship, and appeared in two BCS Orange Bowls.

After a 1-11 record last season, his arrival on the Hilltop has brought excitement back to the program.

Morris is one of four coaches in the American Athletic Conference to make the Top 15 ranking.