Ottawa had Noel Thorpe and Mark Nelson on their D staff last season, they were regarded as promising HC candidates not very long ago. Unless Campbell is taking them with him to BC their stock has certainly plummeted in the last few years.
As for Benevides I've never been overly impressed with his D's, they often seem porous, LaPo is not doing himself any favours by hiring Mike.
I think its a great move by Lapo. First of all, he purges the mindset that was in that locker room. They were content at being losers, and their defense was a joke this year, an absolute joke. Yes, you guys didn't have a Qb, but your D was just as bad. Both Thorpe and Nelson are highly over rated.
Benny brings 3 years of HC experience plus a ton of DC experience. Lapo is going to need both to turn this franchise around. His biggest move has yet to be made however---he needs a Qb for his offense!!!