In a stunning display of commitment to the future of their football program, Arizona State University has signed both offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo and defensive coordinator Brian Ward to lucrative new three-year contracts. The deals, finalized this week, will pay each coordinator an average of over $1 million per year, placing them among the highest-paid in the Big 12 conference.
The move comes as a surprise to many, given ASU’s struggles in recent years. The team finished a dismal 3-9 last season, prompting widespread speculation about the future of the coaching staff. However, under the leadership of second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils have experienced a remarkable turnaround, currently sitting at 8-2 and ranked No. 21 in the nation.
A New Era for ASU Football
The decision to invest heavily in the team’s coordinators is a clear signal that ASU is committed to building a winning program for the long haul. As one insider put it, “This isn’t just about the next couple of years. This is about establishing a culture of excellence that will carry ASU football into the future.”
That culture of excellence has been on full display this season, with the Sun Devils’ offense averaging a whopping 30.8 points per game under Arroyo’s leadership. That’s a far cry from the meager 17.8 points per game they managed last year, and it’s translated to a 78-spot jump in the national rankings.
“Marcus has done an incredible job with our offense,” Dillingham gushed in a recent press conference. “He’s got a brilliant football mind, and he knows how to get the best out of our guys. Locking him up for the next three years was a no-brainer.”
– Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
Defensive Dominance
Not to be outdone, the ASU defense has been equally impressive under Ward’s guidance. After finishing a dismal 107th in the nation in scoring defense last year, the Sun Devils have climbed all the way to No. 53, allowing just 22.8 points per game.
“Brian has completely transformed our defense,” raved one ASU staffer. “The guys are flying around out there, making plays, having fun. It’s a totally different energy from what we saw last year.”
The Road Ahead
With a big matchup against No. 14 BYU looming this weekend, the Sun Devils have a chance to make a major statement on the national stage. A win would not only solidify their place in the Top 25, but it would also go a long way toward validating the school’s massive investment in the coaching staff.
Looking beyond this season, the future appears bright for ASU football. With 35 of the 44 players on the current two-deep roster set to return in 2025, and with the coaching staff now locked in for the foreseeable future, the pieces are in place for sustained success.
“We’re building something special here,” Dillingham declared. “This is just the beginning. With the talent we have coming back, and with Marcus and Brian leading the way, there’s no telling how high we can climb.”
– Kenny Dillingham, ASU Head Coach
For ASU fans, it’s an exciting time to be a Sun Devil. After years of mediocrity, the program finally appears to be on the cusp of greatness. And with Arroyo and Ward now firmly entrenched as the architects of that greatness, the sky’s the limit for this team.
A Message to the Big 12
As for the rest of the Big 12? Consider this a warning shot. The Sun Devils are coming, and they’re not content to simply be competitive. They’re aiming for the top, and with the coaching firepower they now have in place, they just might get there sooner than anyone expects.
So buckle up, college football fans. The Arizona State Sun Devils are riding high, and they’ve got their sights set on big things in the years to come. With Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward leading the charge, anything is possible.
