New head coach Herm Edwards recorded his first major accomplishment on the job, as he promoted current offensive coordinator Coach Billy Napier to Associate Head Coach, and has secured the services of the rest of the Sun Devil offensive staff.
Napier, who retains his offensive coordinator title as well, was signed to a two-year contract as were Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs coach John Simon, Wide Receivers Coach Rob Likens and Offensive Line Coach Rob Sale.
"It is my pleasure to announce the elevation of current Sun Devil Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Billy Napier to Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator on our staff," says Edwards. "Billy's experiences while working on some of the top coaching staffs in college football will be invaluable as we move Sun Devil Football forward. I am also pleased to announce the retention of the remainder of the full-time offensive staff in Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach John Simon, Wide Receivers Coach Rob Likens and Offensive Line Coach Rob Sale. I will continue to work on completing the staff."
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with Coach Herm Edwards as the Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator," says Napier. "The leadership challenge ahead is one I look forward to, especially considering the character of the young men on our roster. We're going to work diligently to elevate this program. My wife Ali and I have enjoyed raising our children in the Valley and I consider it a privilege to go to work every day at Arizona State University. Go Devils!"
In Napier's first year at the helm of the Sun Devil offense, ASU posted the 14th highest-graded offense in the FBS this season according to Pro Football Focus - including the 10th highest-graded passing attack in the nation. This is notable as ASU was graded 54th in the nation in total offense last season and 86th in the passing game on the year. The offensive turnaround (+40 positions) was the eighth-largest in the FBS this season and ASU was one of just three programs to move from outside the Top-50 to inside of it in just one season. The 76-spot swing in the passing game rankings was the third highest in all of the FBS (second among Power Five schools).
ASU has developed one of the elite red zone scoring teams in the nation under Napier, tied for first nationally in converting on 95.83 percent of its red zone appearances this season (46-of-48). However, the Devils took a knee in the red zone in the final seconds of the team's victories over fifth-ranked Washington and in the Territorial Cup contest against Arizona - the only two "blemishes" against the Sun Devils this season. ASU sits 11th nationally in red zone touchdown scoring with 36 touchdowns on those 48 attempts (75.00).
Logistics have prevented Edwards from meeting defensive coordinator Phil Bennet yet. That meeting could take place as early as this weekend, which at that time the future of Bennet and the staff on this side of the ball will be discussed.
In other ASU news, the All-Pac 12 team has been announced. Wide receiver N'Keal Harry was named to the first team. Here's the complete list.
First team
WR N’Keal Harry
Second team
DL JoJo Wicker
CB Chase Lucas
Honorable Mention
DB Chad Adams
LB DJ Calhoun
OL Sam Jones
RB Demario Richard
LB Christian Sam
DL Tashon Smallwood
QB Manny Wilkins, Jr.
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