Phil Bennett

[PonyFan]

There's talk going around campus tonight that Phil Bennett will be the nest head coach at SMU. No idea if it's true. But if so, here's an introduction to the Mustangs' new leader (from the K-State website).

Phil Bennett
Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
Alma Mater: Texas A&M '78

Coaching Experience - Joined the K-State staff in January 1999... Was named defensive coordinator Feb. 15, 1999... In 2000, Bennett led Wildcats to No. 4 final national ranking in total defense and No. 6 national ranking in pass efficiency defense… Coached Dyshod Carter and Jerametrius Butler, just the second pair of teammates in K-State history to each record 10 or more career interceptions (C.J. Masters and Jamie Mendez)… Led K-State to No. 1 national ranking in pass efficiency defense and No. 2 national ranking in total defense in 1999, while helping the Wildcats lead the nation in turnover margin... Nominated as National Assistant Coach of the Year in ’99... Coached the secondary at Oklahoma in 1998, helping the Sooners to a No. 6 national ranking in total defense... Was defensive coordinator at Texas Christian in 1997, leading TCU to its highest defensive ranking in five years... Was defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 1995 and 1996... In 1995, Texas A&M ranked among the top 10 in every defensive category including third in total defense (257.7) and scoring defense (13.5 ppg)... The Aggies also finished second in passing efficiency defense (88.4 points)... Bennett was named American Football Quarterly Division 1 Defensive Coordinator of the Year... Began his coaching career at Texas A&M as a part-time defensive ends coach from 1979-80 before assuming a full-time position in 1981... Moved to Texas Christian to coach tight ends and tackles in 1982... In 1983, joined Jim Criner’s staff at Iowa State as defensive coordinator... In 1987, took the position of defensive coordinator at Purdue under Fred Akers until 1991... Moved to LSU where he began coaching the outside linebackers in 1992 before being named assistant head coach/defensive coordinator from 1992-94... LSU led the SEC in all defensive categories and finished eighth in the nation in total defense in 1994... Moved back to his alma mater as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 1995 and 1996.

Playing Experience - Played defensive end for Texas A&M from 1974-77 under Emory Bellard... Earned second team All-Southwest Conference honors in 1977.

Bowl Experience -
Player at Texas A&M: 1975 Liberty Bowl, 1977 Sun Bowl, 1977 Bluebonnet Bowl.
Coach at Texas A&M: 1978 All-American Bowl, 1991 Independence Bowl, 1995 Alamo Bowl.
Coach at K-State: 1999 Holiday Bowl, 2001 Cotton Bowl.

Recruiting Area - Dallas, Central Texas and East Texas.

Personal - Born Dec. 3, 1955... Phil has two children, Sam and Maddie.
3rd year at Kansas State
23nd year as a collegiate coach

Bennett Coaching History
1999-2001 Defensive Coordinator, Kansas State
1998 Assistant Coach, Oklahoma
1997 Defensive Coordinator, Texas Christian
1995-96 Defensive Coordinator, Texas A&M
1993-94 Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, LSU
1992 Assistant Coach, LSU
1987-91 Defensive Coordinator, Purdue
1983-86 Defensive Coordinator, Iowa State
1982 Assistant Coach, Texas Christian
1979-81 Assistant Coach, Texas A&M

[PK]

Well he certainly has moved around over the years and (I take notice) has stayed no where more than three years. Resume is fairly impressive, but doesn't mention his recruiting efforts. Last of all, do we really want someone who has coached at TCU (twice no less).

[NavyCrimson]

good point - pk....if i remember correctly - he coached during their down yrs too which says a lot - i believe. ... i'm not so sure about this guy - in fact - i'm definitely NOT!!!

i wonder who he coached (worked) for????

[This message has been edited by Navy&Crimson (edited 12-04-2001).]

[Guest]

He also was defensive coordinator at A&M when the Aggie defense was incredible. He's considered a terrific recruiter.

If he gets hired, what does this mean for Coach Schumann?

[Mac]

I'm pretty steamed. This guy is a no-name and the only reason they are going to give him the job is because they don't have to pay him top dollar. I am so sick and tired of SMU's administration fumbling the ball on important decisions. It really pisses me off that they would choose Bennet over Charlie Waters. What are they thinking. It is so frustrating. I know the decision isn't final but I have heard rumors and they make me sick to my stomach. The sad thing is that I think Copeland is a pretty damn good AD, but someone must be holding him back.

Who is on the panel that selects the football coach? Does anyone know?

[ponystudent]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Mac:
<B>Who is on the panel that selects the football coach? Does anyone know? </B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know who is on it but the panel should go like this:
Copeland (AD)
Cash Birdwell (Trainer/AD)
Chuck Faucette (Strength Coach)
Ed Davidson (Equipment Manager)
Shawn Hieldbron (Marketing)
Scott Secules (Mustang Club)
Chris Walker (SID)
Schellas Hyndman (Soccer coach/best coach on campus)
The Hunts (alum/donor)
Gerald Ford (alum/donor)
Paul Loyd (alum/donor)
The Pettus's (alum/donor)
The Altsuler's (alum/donor)
Dickerson/James (alum/donor)
Rogers Healy (PonyFan)

Throw some more alum/donors on there. Shoot, get Clements and Cox on there. <B>LETS DO IT RIGHT THIS TIME!</B>

[PerunaPunch]

Add Whatasteve (training table/media) to your list.

In all seriousness, I think you're right though. This could either be our big break or the final straw. Please don't screw up this hire by going with some no-name weenie just to save a few buck.

Build it (or in this case, buy him) and they will come!

[Mac]

What I don't understand, and I am going to beat this example to death, is why the SMU administration doesn't see what Bobby Knight has done for Texas Tech. It is virtually impossible to get a seat in their arena now that Coach Knight is there. How is that so hard to understand that a big name coach will put people in the seats?

SMU might drive me away from the team that I love if they hire some no-namer. Just yesterday I got some letter in the mail asking me to donate more money to SMU. Come on! Hire a good football coach and I will start giving more money.

[PK]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Horseplay:
<B>He also was defensive coordinator at A&M when the Aggie defense was incredible. He's considered a terrific recruiter.

If he gets hired, what does this mean for Coach Schumann?</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Regardless of whether the new coach has a defensive or offensive background, he is going to be the HC and will need an OC and a DC to help. Given what Schumann has had to work with, he has done an damn excellent job. Before you shoot me, I'm NOT disparaging our players, I love their hard work and effort. Generally speaking though our guys have been undersized and rarely on anyone's top 100 list when we recruited them, but Schumann has made them all capable of playing with the best. On the other hand, I have to wonder what academic standards the K State players had to meet....or even the A&M players Bennett has coached.

[This message has been edited by PK (edited 12-04-2001).]

[ponystudent]

I would also add Pres. Turner on that committee list. Maybe even a couple of faculty who support athletics, which would make the faculty feel better.

[whatasteve]

Peruna Punch, thanks for the nomination. I would gladly serve my alma mater in this manner, if asked. Get on the horn to Copeland and make it happen.

ponystudent - are you suggesting that Dickerson and James have actually donated something? I thought they were notoriously stingy when it comes to SMU. Not true?

[ColonelMustard]

I can't speak to Bennett's HC abilities (since he has none), but if he becomes the SMU coach, I guaranteee you all will have a great defense within a year or so.

In his three years with KSU, he has had us in the Top 5 each year in total defense. He coaches an aggressive defense based on speed and relentless pressure. He has a great eye for talent. I have no idea what he'd do on offense, but remember what they say...defense wins championships. His brother coaches at one of the Dallas high schools, so Bennett recruits in this area. So he has the ties.

Personally, I don't want him to leave. As good as a coach that he is, he is an even better person. The players love him. Fans love him. Media likes him. Alumni like him. The school, players and fans alike all formed a certain bond with Bennet a few years ago when his wife was struck by lightning and passed on. The community, players, Coach Snyder, fans, etc. all rallied around him to get him through the hard times.

I know I'm biased, but if you all land him, consider yourself fortunate.

[ColonelMustard]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by PK:
[BOn the other hand, I have to wonder what academic standards the K State players had to meet....or even the A&M players Bennett has coached.
[/B]</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does SMU have higher enrollment standards that the NCAA requires? We just use the NCAA requirements. Or is it because SMU is a private school?

And before I get set on fire, I'm asking because I don't know...no other motives here.

[PerunaPunch]

Yes, SMU still has higher standards for its athletes than what's mandated by the NCAA (somebody who knows the actual numbers involved, please pipe up).

That being said, and as much I'm glad to hear about Bennett's qualities, we already have a great defense. Certainly not top 5 nationally, but our guys almost always play way over their heads (i.e. the coaches have done way more than can be reasonably expected given the size/talent of our defensive players).

In fact, if our offense wasn't so bumbling incompetant, especially at the beginning of the year, SMU would be ranked fairly high nationally. As it was, we were #1 in the WAC.

[PerunaPunch]

Looks like SMU had the #22 ranked defense (at least statistically) in the nation.