The Former Coach

[perunaman24]

I was just reading some people's articles and i know this has nothing to do with the future coaching arrangement but phil bennet is no longer the coach at SMU he was not fired the just decided not to renew his contract he was unable to substain a winning program at a school that hasnt had one since the early 80's hes a good man and people need to recognize that and stop putting him down.

I also dont know why we are so worried about the future coaches credintials we have had about everything from a former small school coach to coordnators to former NFL coaches who werennt winners mabey there is no "fit" for the school it just has to be someone who is commited to win games and has the ability to motivate the team to do so.

[Corso]

Actually, I think Coach Bennett was, in fact, fired, because the previous athletic director extended his contract. However, you're right that he's a very good man, and there is no reason to pile on a man who just lost his job. Here's hoping he enjoys great success down the road, and that his replacement at SMU enjoys even more.

[perunaman24]

his contract was extended one year and that was this year that was done by turner not copeland.

[BUS]

PB is a good man and people need to refrain from negative comments.

As for the next coach, it is apparent that SMU and the MODEL that we have, is not attracting top notch coaches.

Yes, we have had NFL, Good Div. II and assistants from good programs.... It is time for Mr. Turner to reign in the Faculty Senate and play by the rules as set out by the NCAA - ONLY.

Again, a level playing field is what the next coach at SMU needs.
George

[perunapower]

His contract was extended through the 2008 season (with an extra season if he won 7 games in 2006). So, he was fired. It's in the DMN articles.

[Bergermeister]

Really doesn't matter, does it? The main thing is that he is GONE.

[OC Mustang]

As for the next coach, it is apparent that SMU and the MODEL that we have, is not attracting top notch coaches.

Yes, we have had NFL, Good Div. II and assistants from good programs.... It is time for Mr. Turner to reign in the Faculty Senate and play by the rules as set out by the NCAA - ONLY.

Again, a level playing field is what the next coach at SMU needs.
George

Turner doesn't need to reign anybody except himself. He is in agreement with the Senate. Maybe not complete agreement, but is close enough. Again (for the umpteenth time), his fundraising prowess and success allow him considerable latitude with the Board of Trustees. He isn't going to push it with the rather sizeable group of Trustees who are okay with the status quo, at least enough to not want an inner-tube around his neck. I think he understands a) that the athletic budget needs to be balanced, and b) that students and alumni can't rally around a math or English class. However, the only "pushing" he is receiving is from the handful of uber-large donors and successful alumni that have pushed the athletic reforms (and that is indeed what it is...reforms).

The Faculty Senate may be the soul of opposition, but they don't guide his actions vis-a-vis some constituency. We just haven't had to opportunity to distinguish this very often b/c decisions are rarely attributed to him.

[PonySnob]

It's not like Bennett walked away with only 2 weeks severance.......

[smu diamond m]

Really doesn't matter, does it? The main thing is that he is GONE.

+1

[Mustang1991]

PB was a good guy and should be commended on taking the chance of coming here for his first HC job. But he didn't produce, and this past season he was a victim of his own hype.

Nice only gets you so far. Dave Campo was a nice guy but he didn't win so JJ cut those ties after just 3 years.

I wish PB the best wherever he ends up.