It didn't take long for SMU to make a decision on who would replace departed defensive line coach Brett Diersen. On Tuesday, sources told Pony Stampede that defensive ends coach and SMU letterman Randall Joyner will replace Diersen as defensive line coach, taking over the entire group that he was a part of coaching the past year.

The coaching staff still has an open position on it, but Joyner's hire at least settles the defensive line room. SMU quality control coach Blake Brockermeyer's Twitter profile said he coaches SMU's defensive tackles and defensive graduate assistant Stefan McClure also works with the defensive line.

In 2018, the Mustangs finished 5-7 overall and 4-4 in the American Athletic Conference in Dykes' first season at the helm. On Tuesday, the team was picked to finish fourth in the AAC West Division by the media at the league's Summer Kickoff.

After two seasons as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, working with defensive line coach Larry Johnson, the Carrollton, Texas native returned to the Hilltop as defensive ends coach on Sonny Dykes' staff. Last year, Joyner commented that it was a dream to be back coaching for the Mustangs.

"To be able to come back to the school that gave me a chance to live my dream, not once but twice, is a blessing," Joyner said in fall camp last year. "Now we have a great group of guys and a great staff - I'm really excited. In this coaching journey, we're already busy enough, so we miss a lot of special events with our families. I'm able to attend those now because I'm local. My nieces and nephews are really happy."

Want the latest scoop on the Mustangs? Sign up for a 7-day trial of Pony Stampede to get the latest VIP content from our staff.

Last fall, Joyner was named to 247Sports 30Under30 list, which recognizes young assistant coaches or personnel department staffers that are on the rise.

"A high-energy coach who pupiled under defensive line mastermind Larry Johnson at Ohio State, where he was a graduate assistant," the 247Sports staff wrote. "Joyner played linebacker at SMU from 2010-13 and departed the Buckeyes with glowing reviews."

Prior to SMU, Joyner spent the 2015 season in the same capacity last year at the University of Hawaii under former SMU defensive coordinator Tom Mason. Prior to that position he served as a volunteer assistant coach for his alma mater for the 2013 season.

Joyner amassed 240 career tackles for SMU between 2010-13, leading the team in tackles as a senior with 98 and finishing second in tackles as a junior in 2012 with 93.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Joyner was outstanding in the classroom, earning academic all-conference honors in 2012 for Conference USA and in 2013 for the American Athletic Conference. He was named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell trophy as a senior, and he graduated with a degree in kinesiology.

Stick with Pony Stampede as we continue to monitor SMU's coaching staff's next move.