From the legendary Frank Kush and his Fiesta Bowl legacy to the enigmatic Herm Edwards and his high-octane offense, the past ten years have seen a diverse cast of characters lead the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Bruce Snyder’s steady hand brought stability, while Todd Graham’s fiery passion ignited a recruiting revolution. Dirk Koetter’s offensive wizardry and Dennis Erickson’s veteran leadership each left their mark. Now, under Kenny Dillingham’s fresh vision, the next chapter unfolds.
Dive into the stories of these ten men who steered the maroon and gold through triumph and turmoil, leaving an indelible legacy on the gridiron of the desert.
Herm Edwards
Tenure: 2018-2022
Record: 26-20
Notable Accolades: Three bowl appearances (only Sun Bowl win in 2019)
Herm Edwards, former NFL head coach, and ESPN personality shook things up in Tempe, serving as the 23rd head coach of the Sun Devils from 2018-2022.
While reaching postseasons eluded him, Edwards’ legacy is nuanced. He exceeded expectations in Year One, securing two Top-25 wins and nearly clinching the Pac-12 South despite preseason doubts.
His fiery leadership resonated with players and fans, igniting optimism. However, inconsistencies plagued his tenure, with struggles to maintain momentum and navigate conference rivalries. Edwards’ ASU chapter ended amidst off-field issues, leaving a mixed bag of promise and frustration.
Todd Graham
Tenure: 2012-2017
Record: 46-32
Notable Accolades: Pac-12 South title (2013), Five bowl appearances in six seasons (two wins)
Todd Graham’s six-year tenure at Arizona State was a rollercoaster ride. In his first three seasons, he electrified Sun Devil Stadium with high-octane offense, leading ASU to three bowl appearances and a Pac-12 South title in 2013.
But recruiting struggles and player defections eroded momentum, culminating in a 5-7 and 7-6 finish in 2016 and 2017 that ended with his surprise firing.
While his tenure ended abruptly after a disappointing 2017, Graham’s impact on ASU’s program is undeniable – he left a legacy of offensive fireworks, defensive dominance, and a renewed belief in Sun Devil football.
Dennis Erickson
Tenure: 2007-2011
Record: 31-31
Notable Accolades: Pac-10 winners (2007), 3x Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1988, 2000, 2007)
Dennis Erickson, the 21st Sun Devil coach (2007-2011), swaggered into Tempe in 2007, inheriting a program thirsting for success. His pedigree – two national titles at Miami – promised a return to glory. He brought instant success, sharing the Pac-10 title and nabbing Coach of the Year honors in his debut.
A fiery offensive mind, he led ASU to a 10-win season (10-3) and a Holiday Bowl berth. Though inconsistent in later years, Erickson’s fiery leadership and offensive prowess left a mark.
Erickson’s run-and-shoot offense, led by the electrifying Steven Threet, was a breath of fresh air, injecting excitement into Sun Devil Stadium. He retired with a 34-31 record, forever a part of the Sun Devil coaching landscape.
Dirk Koetter
Tenure: 2001-2006
Record: 40-34
Notable Accolades: Consecutive Bowl game wins (2004 Sun Bowl and 2005 Insight Bowl)
Dirk Koetter (2001-2006) ignited the desert with a dynamic offense, leading ASU to four bowls in six years, the first consecutive wins in two decades.
Koetter’s Sun Devils were a gunslinging spectacle, boasting the nation’s top passing attack and stars like Andrew Walter and Terrell Suggs.
Though his tenure ended amid controversy, Koetter’s explosive passing attack left an indelible mark, paving the way for future Sun Devil success.
Bruce Snyder
Tenure: 1992-2000
Record: 58-45
Notable Accolades: Pac-10 title (1996), AFCA Coach of the Year (1996), Paul “Bear” Bryant Award (1996), Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award (1996), 2x Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1990, 1996)
Snyder’s legacy shines brightest with the 1996 “Desert Devils”. An undefeated regular season, #4 ranking, and Jake Plummer’s Heisman run culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance. Though victory slipped away, Snyder cemented his place in ASU lore.
Beyond ’96, Snyder delivered four bowl games and 58 wins – second only to legend Frank Kush. His offensive prowess and development of talent like Pat Tillman and 40 NFL draftees earned him Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors twice.
Larry Marmie
Tenure: 1988-1991
Record: 22-21-1
Larry Marmie (1988-91) bridged eras, inheriting John Cooper’s success and navigating the Pac-10 shift. His 22-21-1 record lacked conference titles, but a 1991 Territorial Cup win snapped a nine-year UA streak, sealing his place in Sun Devil lore.
Though his tenure ended after four seasons, Marmie left a mark with a 6-5 1991 campaign and a commitment to building a program grounded in discipline and passion. A defensive mastermind, Marmie brought stability and grit, paving the way for future coaches to build on.
John Cooper
Tenure: 1985-1987
Record: 25-9-2
Notable Accolades: Two bowl wins in three years, Arizona ranked No. 4 in 1986, Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year (1986)
John Cooper’s three-year tenure at Arizona State was a springboard to national prominence. Inheriting a program on the rise, he built on Frank Kush’s legacy and led the Sun Devils to three consecutive bowl games (two wins), culminating in a thrilling 22-15 victory over Michigan Wolverines in the 1987 Rose Bowl.
While his 25-9-2 record wasn’t flashy, Cooper’s fiery competitiveness and knack for developing talent laid the groundwork for future success. Though he departed for Ohio State, his brief stint in Tempe remains a cherished chapter in ASU’s gridiron lore.
Darryl Rogers
Tenure: 1980-1984
Record: 37-18-1
Notable Accolades: Won 1982 Fiesta Bowl, team ranked #6
Rogers, the 16th head coach, inherited a tough act following legend Frank Kush but thrived. His West Coast offense sparked a 37-18-1 record, including a Fiesta Bowl win and a No. 6 ranking.
Rogers galvanized Arizona with a high-octane offense and a relentless “Desert Swarm” defense.
He opened recruiting pipelines to California and Arizona, laying the groundwork for future success. Though overshadowed by his predecessor, Rogers’ impact on Sun Devil football remains undeniable.
Frank Rush
Tenure: 1958-1979
Record: 176-54-1
Notable Accolades: AFCA Coach of the Year (1975), Walter Camp Coach of the Year (1975)
Frank Kush, the Iron Duke, left an indelible mark on Arizona State football. His 22-year reign (1958-1979) yielded a staggering 176-54-1 record, including two Border conference titles, seven WAC championships, four Fiesta Bowl, and one Peach Bowl victory.
A disciplinarian known for his tough love approach, Kush instilled a culture of excellence that transformed the Sun Devils into a national force.
During his time with the team, he coached them across three conferences for 231 games, the school record. He only had one losing season during his tenure (1976: 4-7).
Dan Devine
Tenure: 1955-1957
Record: 27-3-1
Notable Accolades: 1957 Border Conference Conference Title, Highest Win Percentage
Dan Devine (1955-57) ushered in a golden era for ASU football, boasting the highest winning percentage (.887) of any Sun Devil coach.
He inherited a struggling program and in his first season, 1955, delivered an 8-2-1 record – then the best in school history. The magic continued with a 9-1 campaign in 1956, culminating in the 1957 pinnacle: an undefeated 10-0 season, ASU’s first ever.
Under his offensive prowess, the Sun Devils averaged a staggering 35 points per game, a testament to his innovative “run-and-shoot” scheme.
His departure for Missouri left a lasting impact, paving the way for his successor, Frank Kush, to build upon his legacy.