Pitt is expected to name former Southern Methodist head coach Phil Bennett as defensive coordinator today, and an announcement of his hiring could take place later today. Bennett and Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt have known each other for more than 15 years.

Bennett was the head coach of the Mustangs from 2001 until this past season, when he was fired after a 1-11 season. Prior to that he was the defensive coordinator for three seasons at Kansas State and had stops as an assistant at Oklahoma (secondary, 1999), TCU (defensive coordinator, 1998) and Texas A&M (defensive coordinator, 1996-98). He would replace Paul Rhoads who left for a similar job at Auburn.

The hiring of Bennett will mean Wannstedt has only one more assistant coaching spot to fill -- receivers -- and he is hoping to have that job filled by the end of the week.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.