5 things to know about new SMU defensive coordinator Kevin Kane

1. Playing days. Kane played linebacker at Kansas, graduating in 2006. He was twice an All-Big 12 honorable mention and was named a captain his senior year. He was also a three-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

2. Coaching credentials. Kane got his coaching start at Kansas as a student assistant. He next served as a graduate assistant and quality control assistant at Wisconsin before his first run at Northern Illinois. He made a brief detour back to Kansas to serve as the linebackers coach before going back to NIU to be its defensive coordinator. Last year, Kane's defense was 26th in the FBS in total defense and led the country in tackles for loss per game (8.8).

3. Royalty and loyalty inside…