SMU hires K-State's Bennett....In Hindsight It's Laughable

[SoCal_Pony]

DALLAS (AP) -- Phil Bennett, the Kansas State defensive coordinator with strong ties to Texas high school football, was introduced Wednesday as Southern Methodist's head coach. Bennett was given a five-year deal to rebuild a program that has had just one winning season in the past 12 years.

"We need to win here and we need to win right away," Bennett said. "I think that our expectation is to win a [Western Athletic Conference] championship."

The Mustangs were 4-7 this season under coach Mike Cavan, who was fired Nov. 18.

Bennett, one of more than 50 coaches to apply for the job, said SMU's commitment to its football program won him over. "The commitment comes from the top," said Bennett, 46. "There are so many things we can sell to recruits."

Bennett, a native of Marshall, Texas, had been Kansas State's defensive coordinator since 1999. His defenses finished in the top five nationally each year he was there. He plans to bring some of that toughness to SMU, which yielded 35 or more points five times this season. "Defense is an attitude," said Bennett, who played defensive end at Texas A&M from 1974-77. "We will be a team that goes into every practice with attitude."

Bennett, who recruited the Dallas area, Central Texas and East Texas as part of his Kansas State duties, said he believes SMU can compete for players with Big 12 schools such as Texas and Texas A&M. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think we were on equal footing," he said.

Bennett said SMU's academic reputation will make recruiting easier.

"I tell you what's appealing to me -- being able to sell the academic success as well as the football success," he said. "A degree here is something I can go in a home and sell."

[RGV Pony]

We need to win here and we need to win right away

Someone should've asked, "and if not?"

The Mustangs were 4-7 this season under coach Mike Cavan

FOUR wins! Those were the days..

"The commitment comes from the top,"

Where did it go?

one of more than 50 coaches

Anyone have a list?