Arizona State: a football coaching history

Big movers show how many stature points they built or lost against what they inherited; steadier tenures show the tier they reached instead. A small blue arrow marks a real System Shift at that changeover — how hard the offense’s run/pass identity flipped.

2023–now

Kenny Dillingham Steady ◆ COY

Kenny Dillingham moved the Sun Devils from National Program II to National Program I in 4 seasons.

2024 offense ranked in the 95th percentile nationally — elite

vs. Arizona

+5.2 pts over 4 seasons · top 13% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Tom Coughlin’s Boston College run (1991–1993)

10th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Shaun Aguano (2022).

System Shift, on arrival

Season	2023	2024	2025	2026
Record & result
Record	3-9	11-3	8-5	4-4
Postseason	—	CFP loss	L bowl	—
Recruiting rank	#44	#48	#44	#40
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	54.1	39.6	46.5	51.4
Coordinators
OC	Beau Baldwin	Marcus Arroyo	Marcus Arroyo	Marcus Arroyo
DC	Brian Ward	Brian Ward	Brian Ward	Brian Ward
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	18	95	28	23
Defense	13	63	69	70
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	52.4	37.7	37.0	51.8
Red-zone pass%	35.4	29.0	42.5	54.4
4th-down go%opp. territory	50.0	48.1	36.7	21.7

Recruiter or developer?

Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent, on both sides of the ball.

Offense vs. talent

-10.4 pts

#152 of 208 · middle half

Defense vs. talent

-8.2 pts

#140 of 208 · middle half

Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.

Roster construction · portal era

A portal-built roster.

Portal arrivals

3.1★ avg rating

Portal departures

101

left via the portal

Net portal flow

-2

#23 of 187 FBS stints

Notable portal arrivals with a modeled NIL value

Sam Leavitt On3 modeled · $4,500,000Raleek Brown On3 modeled · $1,000,000Cutter Boley On3 modeled · $1,500,000

On3’s modeled estimate (social reach / exposure), not money actually paid — shown per player, never totaled.

Who they bring in

Brings in bigger-than-position-typical players than most.

A typical class-year mix of incoming transfers.

Avg. size (raw)

6′2″, 240 lbs

across 84 of 99 arrivals — unadjusted for position mix

Size vs. position-typical

+7.2 lbs

#50 of 255 · top quarter

Avg. class year

#116 of 255 · middle half

Top states: TX (16), AZ (14), CA (13), FL (7), LA (6)

Who won the portal our read

Talent added

61.1

position-weighted

Talent lost

63.3

position-weighted

Net

-2.2

arrivals minus departures

Best addition: Sam Leavitt (QB) from Michigan State

Biggest loss: Sam Leavitt (QB) to LSU

Position-value-weighted (QB/CB weighted highest, depth-decayed within each position) — the same scoring engine as the Portal Heat feed, not a separate grade.

Does the system survive a coordinator change?

OC: Beau Baldwin → Marcus Arroyo · 2024

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

1st-down pass rate: 52.4% → 37.7% (-14.7 pts)

Confound, shown not hidden: only 62% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.

Roster size, by position

Skill positions · usage-weighted (real participation)

Quarterback

203 lbs

6′2″ avg · #640 of 767 · bottom quarter

Running back

208 lbs

5′11″ avg · #344 of 791 · middle half

Wide receiver

197 lbs

6′1″ avg · #192 of 791 · top quarter

Tight end

259 lbs

6′4″ avg · #33 of 731 · top quarter

Trench & secondary · recruited roster, not confirmed starters

Interior line

315 lbs

6′4″ avg · #141 of 779 · top quarter

D-line

275 lbs

6′3″ avg · #573 of 753 · bottom quarter

Cornerback

188 lbs

6′0″ avg · #497 of 771 · middle half

Offensive-line size is one undifferentiated bucket — the source data almost never distinguishes tackle from guard from center, so we can't split them out.

Where the roster comes from, by position

Buys Kicker via the portal

100%

#1 of 56 stints

Buys Athlete via the portal

25%

#17 of 146 stints

Postseason detail2024: Lost to Texas 31-39 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl2025: Lost to Duke 39-42 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

5 NFL Draft picks: Cam Skattebo (2025), Jordyn Tyson (2026), Max Iheanachor (2026), Keith Abney II (2026), Keyshaun Elliott (2026)

Coach of the Year: Big 12 Chuck Neinas Coach of the Year (2024)

1 player-season honored (All-America / national award): Cam Skattebo (2024)

+5.2

26-21

2022

Shaun Aguano Short tenure

No outlier style signal this stint

vs. Arizona

2-7

2018–2022

Herm Edwards Steady

Herm Edwards held Arizona State at National Program I for 4 seasons.

No outlier style signal this stint

vs. Arizona

+1.1 pts over 4 seasons · top 29% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Spencer Danielson’s Boise State run (2023–now)

11th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Todd Graham (2012–2017) · succeeded by Shaun Aguano (2022).

System Shift, on arrival

Season	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Record & result
Record	7-6	8-5	2-2	8-5	1-2
Postseason	L bowl	W bowl	—	L bowl	—
Recruiting rank	#36	#28	#24	#48	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	44.1	45.5	34.5	38.7	—
Coordinators
OC	Rob Likens	Rob Likens	Zak Hill	Zak Hill	—
DC	Danny Gonzales	Danny Gonzales	Marvin Lewis / Antonio Pierce	Antonio Pierce	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	70	17	73	73	—
Defense	33	48	74	79	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	40.5	42.8	36.3	32.8	—
Red-zone pass%	29.7	33.6	29.2	32.6	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	33.3	24.1	—	35.7	—

Recruiter or developer?

Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent, on both sides of the ball.

Offense vs. talent

-0.7 pts

#114 of 208 · middle half

Defense vs. talent

-0.0 pts

#104 of 208 · middle half

Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.

Roster construction · portal era

Barely touches the portal — recruits and develops his own.

Portal arrivals

2.9★ avg rating

Portal departures

left via the portal

Net portal flow

-11

#150 of 187 FBS stints

Who they bring in

Brings in bigger-than-position-typical players than most.

Recruits younger transfers than most — more of a development bet.

Avg. size (raw)

6′2″, 250 lbs

across 4 of 7 arrivals — unadjusted for position mix

Size vs. position-typical

+9.7 lbs

#22 of 255 · top quarter

Avg. class year

#246 of 255 · bottom quarter

Top states: CA (2), AZ (1), NC (1)

Who won the portal our read

Talent added

25.3

position-weighted

Talent lost

42.6

position-weighted

Net

-17.3

arrivals minus departures

Best addition: Chandler Fincher (CB) from TCU

Biggest loss: Ryan Kelley (QB) to Eastern Washington

Position-value-weighted (QB/CB weighted highest, depth-decayed within each position) — the same scoring engine as the Portal Heat feed, not a separate grade.

Does the system survive a coordinator change?

OC: Rob Likens → Zak Hill · 2020The offense leveled up

2-season window either side.

1st-down pass rate: 41.6% → 34.5% (-7.1 pts)

Confound, shown not hidden: only 60% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.

DC: Danny Gonzales → Marvin Lewis (co) / Antonio Pierce (co) · 2020

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

DC: Marvin Lewis (co) / Antonio Pierce (co) → Antonio Pierce · 2021

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

Roster size, by position

Skill positions · usage-weighted (real participation)

Quarterback

208 lbs

6′4″ avg · #530 of 767 · middle half

Running back

205 lbs

6′0″ avg · #470 of 791 · middle half

Wide receiver

209 lbs

6′2″ avg · #12 of 791 · top quarter

Trench & secondary · recruited roster, not confirmed starters

Interior line

303 lbs

6′5″ avg · #625 of 779 · bottom quarter

D-line

288 lbs

6′3″ avg · #304 of 753 · middle half

Linebacker

230 lbs

6′2″ avg · #284 of 772 · middle half

Cornerback

185 lbs

6′0″ avg · #616 of 771 · bottom quarter

Offensive-line size is one undifferentiated bucket — the source data almost never distinguishes tackle from guard from center, so we can't split them out.

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Tackle from high school

83%

#180 of 223 stints

Grows Edge from high school

89%

#189 of 208 stints

Postseason detail2018: Lost to Fresno State 20-31 Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl2019: Beat Florida State 20-14 Bowl2021: Lost to Wisconsin 13-20 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

9 NFL Draft picks: N'Keal Harry (2019), Renell Wren (2019), Brandon Aiyuk (2020), Eno Benjamin (2020), Frank Darby (2021), Rachaad White (2022), Jack Jones (2022), D.J. Davidson (2022) + 1 more

+1.1

26-20

2012–2017

Todd Graham Steady

Todd Graham moved Arizona State from National Program I to Power Program III in 6 seasons.

No outlier style signal this stint

vs. Arizona

+4.4 pts over 6 seasons · top 36% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Mike Kruczek’s UCF run (1998–2003)

6th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Dennis Erickson (2007–2011) · succeeded by Herm Edwards (2018–2022).

System Shift, on arrival

System Shift, on departure

Season	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Record & result
Record	8-5	10-4	10-3	6-7	5-7	7-6
Postseason	W bowl	L bowl	W bowl	L bowl	—	L bowl
Recruiting rank	#36	#39	#23	#19	#24	#32
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	40.9	44.8	47.9	49.9	47.2	42.4
Coordinators
OC	—	—	Mike Norvell	Mike Norvell	Chip Lindsey	Billy Napier
DC	—	—	Chris Ball / Keith Patterson	Chris Ball / Keith Patterson	Keith Patterson	Phil Bennett
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	70	52	52	60	28	73
Defense	85	22	79	13	7	24
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	38.5	45.1	42.4	41.6	39.8	39.7
Red-zone pass%	40.1	41.3	44.1	49.7	27.0	33.1
4th-down go%opp. territory	26.8	16.7	25.0	22.4	26.3	31.9

Recruiter or developer?

Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent on offense and underperforms his recruiting talent on defense.

Offense vs. talent

-6.3 pts

#139 of 208 · middle half

Defense vs. talent

-44.2 pts

#208 of 208 · bottom quarter

Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.

Does the system survive a coordinator change?

OC: Mike Norvell → Chip Lindsey · 2016

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

1st-down pass rate: 41.6% → 39.8% (-1.8 pts)

Confound, shown not hidden: only 35% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.

OC: Chip Lindsey → Billy Napier · 2017

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

1st-down pass rate: 39.8% → 39.7% (-0.1 pts)

Confound, shown not hidden: only 73% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.

DC: Chris Ball (co) / Keith Patterson → Keith Patterson · 2016

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

DC: Keith Patterson → Phil Bennett · 2017

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Tight end from high school

100%

#164 of 188 stints

Grows Edge from high school

100%

#191 of 208 stints

Postseason detail2012: Beat Navy 62-28 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl2013: Lost to Texas Tech 23-37 National University Holiday Bowl2014: Beat Duke 36-31 Hyundai Sun Bowl2015: Lost to West Virginia 42-43 Motel 6 Cactus Bowl2017: Lost to NC State 31-52 Bowl

13 NFL Draft picks: Will Sutton (2014), Carl Bradford (2014), Marion Grice (2014), Damarious Randall (2015), Jaelen Strong (2015), Jamil Douglas (2015), Marcus Hardison (2015), Christian Westerman (2016) + 5 more

+4.4

46-32

2007–2011

Dennis Erickson Steady

Dennis Erickson slid the Sun Devils from National Program I to Power Program III in 5 seasons.

No outlier style signal this stint

vs. Arizona

−2.0 pts over 5 seasons · top 44% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Blake Anderson’s Utah State run (2021–2024)

7th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Dirk Koetter (2001–2006) · succeeded by Todd Graham (2012–2017).

System Shift, on departure

System Shift, on arrival

Season	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Record & result
Record	10-3	5-7	4-8	6-6	6-7
Postseason	L bowl	—	—	—	L bowl
Recruiting rank	#37	#17	#32	#40	#65
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	43.8	51.7	52.2	52.9	55.5
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	28	15	23	60	69
Defense	70	78	87	88	11
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	41.3	49.7	50.5	47.4	51.7
Red-zone pass%	35.2	54.0	47.7	47.2	47.0
4th-down go%opp. territory	31.7	8.1	24.3	22.9	27.3

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Tight end from high school

100%

#164 of 188 stints

Grows Edge from high school

100%

#191 of 208 stints

Postseason detail2007: Lost to Texas 34-52 Bowl2011: Lost to Boise State 24-56 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas

14 NFL Draft picks: Mike Pollak (2008), Justin Tryon (2008), Robert James (2008), Ryan Torain (2008), Josh Barrett (2008), Paul Fanaika (2009), Troy Nolan (2009), Shawn Lauvao (2010) + 6 more

−2.0

31-31

2001–2006

Dirk Koetter Steady

Dirk Koetter slid the Sun Devils from Power Program III to National Program I in 6 seasons.

2005 offense ranked in the 97th percentile nationally — elite

vs. Arizona

−4.8 pts over 6 seasons · bottom 23% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Rod Carey’s Northern Illinois run (2012–2018)

8th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Bruce Snyder (1992–2000) · succeeded by Dennis Erickson (2007–2011).

System Shift, on departure

Season	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Record & result
Record	4-7	8-6	5-7	9-3	7-5	7-6
Postseason	—	L bowl	—	W bowl	W bowl	L bowl
Recruiting rank	—	—	—	#23	#33	#30
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—	53.6	52.4	41.3
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—	28	97	72
Defense	—	—	—	66	6	53
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—	47.9	49.6	40.8
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—	46.2	48.8	34.0
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—	33.3	36.4	33.3

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Tackle from high school

100%

#198 of 223 stints

Grows Interior line from high school

100%

#198 of 224 stints

Postseason detail2002: Lost to Kansas State 27-34 Bowl2004: Beat Purdue 27-23 Bowl2005: Beat Rutgers 45-40 Bowl2006: Lost to Hawai'i 24-41 Bowl

16 NFL Draft picks: Levi Jones (2002), Scott Peters (2002), Travis Scott (2002), Kyle Kosier (2002), Terrell Suggs (2003), Shaun McDonald (2003), Solomon Bates (2003), Mike Karney (2004) + 8 more

−4.8

40-34

1992–2000

Bruce Snyder Steady

Bruce Snyder moved Arizona State from Power Program III to Power Program II in 9 seasons.

vs. Arizona

+6.3 pts over 9 seasons · top 29% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Mike Stoops’s Arizona run (2004–2011)

4th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Larry Marmie (1988–1991) · succeeded by Dirk Koetter (2001–2006).

Season	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
Record & result
Record	6-5	6-5	3-8	6-5	11-1	9-3	5-6	6-6	6-6
Postseason	—	—	—	—	L bowl	W bowl	—	L bowl	L bowl
Recruiting rank	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Defense	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Postseason detail1996: Lost to Ohio State 17-20 Bowl1997: Beat Iowa 17-7 Bowl1999: Lost to Wake Forest 3-23 Bowl2000: Lost to Boston College 17-31 Bowl

32 NFL Draft picks: Brett Wallerstedt (1993), Shante Carver (1994), Mario Bates (1994), Craig Newsome (1995), Jason Kyle (1995), Jeff Kysar (1995), Bryan Proby (1995), Johnny Thomas (1995) + 24 more

+6.3

58-45

1988–1991

Larry Marmie Inheritor

Larry Marmie inherited Arizona State at Power Program I and saw it slip to Power Program III.

vs. Arizona

−12.1 pts over 4 seasons · bottom 7% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Terry Shea’s Rutgers run (1996–2000)

5th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed John Cooper (1985–1987) · succeeded by Bruce Snyder (1992–2000).

7 NFL Draft picks: Lynn James (1990), Leonard Russell (1991), Floyd Fields (1991), Paul Justin (1991), Darren Woodson (1992), Phillippi Sparks (1992), Shane Collins (1992)

−12.1

22-21-1

1985–1987

John Cooper Steady

John Cooper moved the Sun Devils from Power Program II to Power Program I in 3 seasons.

vs. Arizona

+3.9 pts over 3 seasons · top 17% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Woody Widenhofer’s Vanderbilt run (1997–2001)

2nd-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Darryl Rogers (1980–1984) · succeeded by Larry Marmie (1988–1991).

Season	1985	1986	1987
Record & result
Record	8-4	10-1-1	7-4-1
Postseason	L bowl	W bowl	W bowl
Recruiting rank	—	—	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—
Defense	—	—	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—

Postseason detail1985: Lost to Arkansas 17-18 Bowl1986: Beat Michigan 22-15 Bowl1987: Beat Air Force 33-28 Bowl

7 NFL Draft picks: Darryl Clack (1986), David Fulcher (1986), Scott Stephen (1987), Skip McClendon (1987), Bruce Hill (1987), Danny Villa (1987), Dan Saleaumua (1987)

+3.9

25-9-2

1980–1984

Darryl Rogers Inheritor

Darryl Rogers inherited Arizona State at Power Program I and saw it slip to Power Program II.

vs. Arizona

−0.8 pts over 5 seasons · top 36% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Brad Scott’s South Carolina run (1994–1998)

3rd-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Frank Kush (1958–1979) · succeeded by John Cooper (1985–1987).

Season	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984
Record & result
Record	7-4	9-2	10-2	6-4-1	5-6
Postseason	—	—	W bowl	—	—
Recruiting rank	—	—	—	—	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—	—	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—	—	—
Defense	—	—	—	—	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—	—	—
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—	—	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—	—	—

Postseason detail1982: Beat Oklahoma 32-21 Bowl

20 NFL Draft picks: John Mistler (1981), Ron Washington (1981), Mel Hoover (1981), Gerald Riggs (1982), Robert Weathers (1982), John Meyer (1982), Jerry Bell (1982), Mike Pagel (1982) + 12 more

−0.8

37-18-1

1958–1979

Frank Kush Builder

Frank Kush raised Arizona State from National Program I to Power Program I.

vs. Arizona

+16.3 pts over 22 seasons · top 33% of 10+-season tenures (202 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Ron McBride’s Utah run (1990–2002)

1st-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Dan Devine (1955–1957) · succeeded by Darryl Rogers (1980–1984).

Season	1958	1959	1960	1961	1962	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979
Record & result
Record	7-3	10-1	7-3	7-3	7-2-1	8-1	8-2	6-4	5-5	8-2	8-2	8-2	11-0	11-1	10-2	11-1	7-5	12-0	4-7	9-3	9-3	3-2
Postseason	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	W bowl	W bowl	W bowl	W bowl	—	W bowl	—	L bowl	W bowl	—
Recruiting rank	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Defense	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Postseason detail1970: Beat North Carolina 48-26 Bowl1971: Beat Florida State 45-38 Bowl1972: Beat Missouri 49-35 Bowl1973: Beat Pittsburgh 28-7 Bowl1975: Beat Nebraska 17-14 Bowl1977: Lost to Penn State 30-42 Bowl1978: Beat Rutgers 34-18 Bowl

+16.3

176-54-1

1955–1957

Dan Devine Builder≈

Dan Devine raised the Sun Devils from National Program III to National Program I.

vs. Arizona

+13.4 pts over 3 seasons · top 3% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Lane Kiffin’s Florida Atlantic run (2017–2019)

9th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Clyde Smith (1952–1954) · succeeded by Frank Kush (1958–1979).

+13.4

27-3-1

1952–1954

Clyde Smith Steady

Clyde Smith moved Arizona State from Regional Program I to National Program III in 3 seasons.

vs. Arizona

+2.9 pts over 3 seasons · top 20% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Jeff Tisdel’s Nevada run (1996–1999)

12th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Larry Siemering (1951) · succeeded by Dan Devine (1955–1957).

+2.9

15-13-1

1951

Larry Siemering Short tenure

vs. Arizona

6-3-1

1947–1950

Edward Doherty Steady≈

Edward Doherty moved the Sun Devils from Regional Program IV to Regional Program II in 4 seasons.

vs. Arizona

+10.4 pts over 4 seasons · top 5% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Justin Fuente’s Memphis run (2012–2015)

13th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Steve Coutchie (1946) · succeeded by Larry Siemering (1951).

+10.4

25-17

1946

Steve Coutchie Short tenure

vs. Arizona

2-7-2

1942

Hilman Walker Short tenure

vs. Arizona

2-8

1938–1941

Dixie Howell Steady

Dixie Howell moved Arizona State from Regional Program III to Regional Program II in 4 seasons.

vs. Arizona

+3.4 pts over 4 seasons · top 19% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Butch Jones’s Cincinnati run (2010–2012)

14th-best Arizona State tenure of 14 by the numbers.

Followed Rudy Lavik (1936–1937) · succeeded by Hilman Walker (1942).

+3.4

23-15-4

1936–1937

Rudy Lavik Short tenure

vs. Arizona

4-13-1