ASU names interim DBs coach Donnie Henderson to defensive coordinator

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The Arizona State Sun Devils elevated analyst and interim defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson to defensive coordinator on Friday.

Henderson takes over for defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce, who resigned from the program just over a week ago amid an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations. Pierce also served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.

The move marks Henderson’s second stint as an ASU assistant coach since he worked with safeties (1992-94) and defensive backs (1995-97) during the Bruce Snyder era.

“We are very fortunate to have an experienced and deep bench on our coaching staff,” ASU head coach Herm Edwards said in a press release. “This will allow us to continue the advancement of our defensive plan through the elevation of former analyst and interim defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson.

“He’s coached some of the game’s finest players in NFL Hall of Famers Rod Woodson, Ed Reed and Jonathan Vilma. Donnie helped us last year when he mentored our secondary, helping it to achieve a fine season.”

ASU adds that special assistant to the head coach Marvin Lewis “will play a big role in developing game plans and devising schemes” alongside Henderson.

Under Henderson last season, defensive backs Chase Lucas, DeAndre Pierce and Jack Jones each earned Pac-12 All-Conference honors, the most for ASU since 2014.

Henderson is a familiar face to both Lewis and Edwards.

The former Sun Devils analyst served under Lewis as the Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach from 1999-2001. Together, the coordinator and Henderson added a Super Bowl victory to their resumes before Lewis’ departure in 2002.

Henderson would eventually land on Edwards’ New York Jets coaching staff as a defensive coordinator for two seasons (2004-05).

In total, the defensive coordinator brings with him 30 years of coaching experience at both the collegiate and NFL level.

Henderson is the latest coordinator hired by Arizona State after the team locked up Glenn Thomas as the new OC on Jan. 31. Thomas takes over for Zak Hill, who resigned three days prior to Thomas’ hire.

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