ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

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

Dec 12, 2017, 2:44 PM | Updated: 6:40 pm

(SunDevilSource Video screenshot)...

(SunDevilSource Video screenshot)

(SunDevilSource Video screenshot)

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.

Arizona State Football

Head coach Kenny Dillingham...

Vincent DeAngelis

Defense stands out at Arizona State football spring practice with ‘attack the ball’ mentality

The Arizona State defensive line has impressed head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward early in spring practice.

8 hours ago

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

8 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

14 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

15 days ago

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