Arizona State names Phil Bennett defensive coordinator

Arizona State has hired Phil Bennett as its defensive coordinator, the program announced Wednesday.

Bennett comes to the desert by way of Baylor, where he ran the Bears' defense for six seasons. He previously served six seasons as head coach at SMU.

Bennett will look to improve a porous Arizona State defense that ranked near the bottom of the FBS in several major categories, including points allowed per game and yards allowed per game.

Keith Patterson, who ran the Sun Devils' defense this past season, is expected to remain on the staff as a linebackers coach.