CFB: SMU's Bennett Gone at Seasons End

The Mustangs, currently 1-7 on the year, travel to Houston on Sunday to take on the Cougars.

Photo courtesy: SMU.edu

DALLAS - SMU Director of Athletics Steve Orsini announced today that he will make a change in the leadership of the Mustang football program following the 2007 season and that Phil Bennett will serve as head coach for the remainder of the year.

"I appreciate Phil's efforts here at SMU, but I felt it was time for a change," said Orsini. "He has represented the university with class and has graduated his student-athletes at some of the highest rates in the nation. I have never doubted his effort and desire to win and we wish him the best."

"But as I said on the day I was hired at SMU, we can be successful on a national level. There is a commitment to winning on the Hilltop and I truly believe that we are ready to take that next step. With the support of this tremendous university and our great facilities and location in the heart of Dallas, there is no reason we can not become a top-25 football program. We will win at SMU."

Orsini said a national search for a new head coach would begin immediately.

Bennett, who led SMU to bowl-eligibility in 2006, is in his sixth season as head coach with his career record standing at 18-48.

The Mustangs, currently 1-7 on the year, travel to Houston on Sunday to take on the Cougars at 7 p.m. in a game televised nationally on ESPN.
Source: SMU Athletics

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