Arizona State DC Bennett won’t return under Edwards’ staff

Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett won’t return for his second year at Arizona State, according to John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Bennett confirmed the report Tuesday afternoon.

Bennett said Herm Edwards did offer him a job to return but he turned it down. Gambadoro reports that he was offered the job of defensive coordinator, but no one else on the defensive staff has been offered to return at this time.

Health and personal factors played a role in his decision.

Edwards released a statement on the news.

While I would have liked for defensive coordinator Phil Bennett to remain on the coaching staff, I do appreciate the fact that he has chosen not to stay based upon family reasons. Family always comes first and right now he needs to turn his attention to that. My top priorities right now going forward are to solidify our recruiting class and to assemble a defensive coaching staff. Both objectives are moving along quite well.

Hired by outgoing head coach Todd Graham to fix up a team that ranked among the worst defenses in 2016, the long-time coach met with Edwards on Saturday about his future on the staff.

Anderson said prior to hiring Edwards that a new head coach would preferably retain both coordinators.

Arizona State promoted first-year offensive coordinator Billy Napier to associate head coach and retained the rest of the offensive staff.

In 2017, ASU allowed 31.3 points per game, which ranked 88th in the nation.

The Sun Devils hired Bennett after he coached at Baylor from 2011-16. He replaced former DC Keith Patterson, who under Graham was demoted to linebackers coach.

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