Andy Katz is reporting that SMU did talk to Benford about a coach in waiting deal for $500k, meaning they would hire him as an assistant with a condition that he would take over when Larry Brown leaves. Article says Buzz Peterson says he will not go with Brown, and reportedly Jerence Howard has been contacted as well. But, Benford is also the leader for the North Texas job.
First off, why is SMU going through this? Larry Brown but only for a couple of years, and he brings in World Wide Wes. Why? Hey recruits - come to SMU and you will lose your coach in a year or two, but we already know who the replacement will be..... what a weird deal.
Also, to be the finalist for a Big East job, don't get it and you are in the Sun Belt - coaching is a game of inches.