Report: ASU football signs OC Marcus Arroyo, DC Brian Ward to three-year contract extensions

Arizona State football has signed offensive and defensive coordinators Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward to three-year contract extensions, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and SunDevilSource.com’s Chris Karpman.

Thamel and Karpman reported that the deals can average more than $1 million a season.

In his first season working under head coach Kenny Dillingham, Arroyo and the offense has improved from the 2023 season, averaging 30.8 points per game compared to 17.8 points.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been productive under Arroyo, throwing for 1,906 yards and 19 touchdowns. Running back Cam Skattebo has also had success under Arroyo, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

This marks the second contract extension for Ward as he received a three-year extension at the end of last season.

In Ward’s second season at ASU, the Sun Devils defense is allowing nine fewer points per game as they have given up only 22.8 points per game, compared to 31.8 last year.

The improvements on both sides of the football are a big part in the Sun Devils 8-2 start to the season after finishing 3-9 in 2023. Arizona State became bowl eligible for the first time since 2021 after its win versus Oklahoma State on Nov. 2.

Dilligham joined Arizona Sports’ Bickley and Marotta on Friday and praised his coaching staff for the work they’ve done this season.

“We truly have good people in the building. You can’t say that at every stop that you make,” Dillingham said. “You have good people that truly care about people and the players know that the coaches care about them. There’s just a connection that’s stronger than transactional.”

Dillingham also stressed the importance of keeping his staff together.

“I’m worried about our staff, I’m worried about our players,” Dillingham said Friday. “I’m worried about keeping our core of this together. I mean, we’re not winning these games because of Kenny Dillingham.

“I’ve said it multiple times and people want to, like, argue with me. I’m like, I’m the one telling you and I’m Kenny Dillingham. It’s not me. It’s our staff and our players. It’s the players, the players, the players.”

The news of the extension happens as No. 21 ASU is set to face off against No.14 BYU on Saturday as the Sun Devils look to contend for a spot in the Big 12 championship game.

Listen to the Sun Devils take on the Cougars live on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on 98.7, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.