(Photos: Jack Harris/WCSN) Arizona State’s coaching staff was dealt another shuffle on Friday, as it was confirmed that offensive coordinator Billy Napier is leaving the school to become the new head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette. Hours later, the school confirmed reports that receivers coach Rob Likens was promoted to fill the coordinator vacancy
Tag: Billy Napier
ASU Football: ‘New Leadership Model’ off to a rocky start
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Ray Anderson’s plan isn’t working. Firing Todd Graham was supposed to alleviate the perceived uncertainty that Anderson saw in this program’s future. Instead, the last two weeks have done nothing but put that future in further jeopardy at every turn. “It’s not a situation where we’re going to have to
ASU Football: Coordinators address future plans amid coaching change
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) In the past, Todd Graham has been the darling of Arizona State football media availability, most days answering question for at least 10 minutes. On Friday though, the lame-duck head coach spoke for barely 2 minutes, the latest reminder of the winds of change that are swirling in Tempe
ASU Football: Offensive staff coming back; Devils named all-conference, Graham gives early insight on Sun Bowl
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) The first big move of the Herm Edwards era at ASU was announced on Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Billy Napier, receivers coach Rob Likens, running backs coach John Simon, and offensive line coach Rob Sale will all be returning to ASU next season. In addition, Napier has been promoted to
ASU Football: Notes and Quotes from Sun Devils 40-24 win at Oregon State
(Photo: Jack Harris/WCSN) CORVALLIS, Ore., -- Arizona State has captured bowl eligibility with a 40-24 win over the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday. Here are the best notes and quotes from the Sun Devils first win in Corvallis since 2005: PLAYERS, COACHES DISCUSS REACHING BOWL ELIGIBILITY Coach Todd Graham: "It's very important for
ASU Football: Sun Devils hoping up-tempo offense leads to bowl berth
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) After beginning last week's loss at UCLA with a punt, Arizona State’s offense cranked up the pace. Two drives later, the Sun Devils had 14 points on the board in the Rose Bowl. They went fast. They found the end zone. ASU hasn’t been an out-and-out “tempo” team this year, but
ASU Football: Development key in Sun Devils’ defensive turnaround
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) For the last three years, ASU football has been among the worst defenses in the country statistically, rotating through a cast of coordinators and position coaches. Before a 13-7 upset victory over then-No. 5 Washington, the Sun Devils had allowed 30 points or more in 11 straight games. So
ASU Football: Sun Devils dominate Utah, point to practice as a catalyst
(Photo: Chaz Frazier/WCSN) SALT LAKE CITY — We’re talking about practice, man. ASU football went on the road and walloped Utah 30-10 on Saturday, turning in its most complete performance of the season. ASU players don’t think it’s a product of personnel or circumstance; they attribute the last two weeks’ performances to
ASU Football: Late gamble seals Top 5 upset for ASU
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Dressed in black and dazed with disbelief, ASU fans peered on as Manny Wilkins led the offense back onto the field. There was 2:04 left in the game. ASU was leading No. 5 Washington 13-7 and on the Huskies' 37-yard-line facing a fourth-and-three. A punt could have pinned the Huskies deep in
ASU Football: Sun Devils face biggest test yet in No. 5 Washington
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Bye weeks provide teams with an opportunity to reflect and improve on their weaknesses. After two full weeks of practice following a road loss to Stanford, ASU football will need its best effort of the season when it returns to the field Saturday. No. 5 Washington (6-0) rolls into