The Legacy of Arizona State Football: From Territorial Normals to National Aspirations
The Arizona State Sun Devils football program boasts a rich and storied history, deeply intertwined with the growth and evolution of the university itself. Since its inception in 1897, ASU football has been a crucible for talent, producing numerous successful professional athletes, legendary coaches, and memorable teams that have left an indelible mark on the sport. This exploration delves into the foundational elements of the program, its pivotal coaching eras, and the remarkable alumni who have carried the Sun Devil spirit to collegiate and professional heights.
The Genesis of a Football Tradition
The roots of Arizona State football trace back to the late 19th century, when Frederick M. Irish served as the first head football coach at the Territorial Normal School. From 1896 to 1906, Irish guided the nascent program, which experienced periods of dormancy in its early years. The school, later renamed Tempe Normal School in 1903 and eventually Arizona State University, saw various coaches lead its football efforts. George Schaeffer coached from 1914 to 1916, followed by Aaron McCreary, who oversaw the program from 1923 to 1929, a period marked by a change in the school's nickname from the Owls to the Bulldogs.
The mid-20th century witnessed further development and coaching changes. Ted Shipkey led the team from 1930 to 1932, followed by Rudy Lavik. Dixie Howell coached from 1938 to 1941, and Ed Doherty took the helm from 1947 to 1950. Clyde Smith coached from 1952 to 1954, compiling a record of 15-13-1. These early coaches laid the groundwork for a program that would soon gain national prominence.
The Kush Era: A Dynasty Forged in Tempe
The most transformative period in ASU football history arguably began with the arrival of Dan Devine as head coach in 1955. However, it was his assistant, Frank Kush, who would become synonymous with Sun Devil football. Promoted to head coach, Kush embarked on a legendary 22-year tenure, marked by a physically demanding coaching style and unparalleled success. Under Kush, the Sun Devils achieved a remarkable record of 176-54-1, with only one losing season. His teams captured two conference titles in his first 11 years and finished as runner-up five times.
A brief departure to the University of Pittsburgh in 1969 was short-lived, as Kush returned to ASU just five days later, igniting an era of sustained dominance. From 1969 to 1973, the Sun Devils won five consecutive Western Athletic Conference championships, achieving a staggering 50 wins in 56 games. This period also saw ASU win the 1970 Peach Bowl and the first three editions of the Fiesta Bowl. The 1975 season culminated in a perfect 12-0 record, capped by a thrilling 17-14 Fiesta Bowl victory over Nebraska.
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Kush's tenure, however, was not without controversy. In 1979, former punter Kevin Rutledge filed a significant lawsuit alleging mental and physical harassment, including a charge that Kush had punched him. This led to Kush's dismissal on October 13, 1979, for interfering with the school's investigation. Despite the tumultuous end, Kush's impact on the program is undeniable, with Frank Kush Field at Mountain America Stadium bearing his name. Many future NFL stars, including Charley Taylor, Curley Culp, Danny White, Benny Malone, Mike Haynes, John Jefferson, and Steve Holden, played under his tutelage.
Navigating Eras of Coaching and Competition
Following Kush, Darryl Rogers led the Sun Devils for five seasons, amassing a 37-18-1 record and a Fiesta Bowl win in 1982. John Cooper, who arrived in 1985, guided ASU to three consecutive bowl games, including the prestigious 1987 Rose Bowl. Bruce Snyder, who coached from 1992 to 2000, amassed 58 wins, second only to Frank Kush in school history. Snyder led ASU to four bowl games, including a Sun Bowl victory in 1997, and coached over 40 players who were drafted into the NFL. His 1996 team achieved an 11-1 record, won the Pacific-10 championship, and famously upset the top-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Dirk Koetter took over in 2001, compiling a 40-34 record and leading the team to four bowl appearances, known for a vertical passing attack. Dennis Erickson, a seasoned coach with BCS program experience, was hired in 2007. He immediately made an impact, leading ASU to a 10-2 regular season, a share of the Pacific-10 title, and a Holiday Bowl berth, earning him Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors. While Erickson's initial success was notable, his later seasons saw a decline, with a 21-28 record in his final four years.
Todd Graham's tenure, beginning in 2012, saw a resurgence. His first season was deemed an "unquestioned success," and in 2013, he led ASU to the Pac-12 South title, earning him Pac-12 Coach of the Year. The team achieved another 10-win season in 2014, finishing ranked in the top 15. However, the program experienced a drop-off in subsequent years, culminating in Graham's departure after the 2017 season.
Herm Edwards was announced as the next head coach in December 2017. His initial season saw a promising start with a marquee win over Michigan State, and the team finished 7-6. The 2019 season saw an 8-5 record and a Sun Bowl victory. However, the 2020 season was disrupted by COVID-19, and by June 2021, rumors of NCAA violations emerged, leading to coaching staff being placed on administrative leave. Despite the allegations, Edwards finished his tenure with a 26-15 record over three seasons. On April 19, 2024, Arizona State and Edwards received a four-year probation, an undisclosed fine, vacated wins, reduced scholarships, recruiting restrictions, and a 2024 bowl ban.
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Kenny Dillingham took the reins for the 2024 season, leading the Sun Devils to a strong 5-1 start, including an upset win over No. 16 Utah. His leadership guided ASU to a No. 21 ranking, their first since 2019, and a decisive victory over rival Arizona. The Sun Devils clinched a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game, which they won, and earned a No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, ultimately competing in the Peach Bowl.
National Championship Claims and Bowl Appearances
Arizona State has a history of strong performances in bowl games, having played in 34 bowl games throughout its history. The program has also been recognized for its championship-caliber seasons, although it does not officially claim them. The NCAA does acknowledge lesser-known claims to national championships for the 1970 and 1975 teams. In 1970, ASU finished undefeated, defeating North Carolina in the Peach Bowl. The 1975 team also completed an undefeated season, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory over Nebraska, and finished ranked No. 2 in both the AP and Coaches polls. The Poling System (1935-1984) recognized ASU as the No. 1 team in 1970, securing their first national championship recognized by a major poll.
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tags: #arizona #state #university #football #alumni
