ASU tabs Donnie Yantis as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator

The Arizona State Sun Devils have promoted Donnie Yantis to assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, the school announced Thursday.

Yantis previously served as the school’s assistant athletics director for football recruiting for two seasons before accepting his new position.

“I am humbled, blessed, and extremely excited for the opportunity to join this tremendous football staff that Coach Edwards as put together. Having the opportunity to get back on the field and impact these young men has been a goal of mine, in addition to continue to lead our efforts in recruiting,” Yantis said in a press release.

“I look forward to working with coach Likens and the offensive staff. Being a former Arizona high school football coach, it will be an honor to get back into the schools in Arizona to develop genuine relationships and recruit the best in Arizona and get them to Arizona State. I would like to thank coach Edwards and coach Likens for giving me this opportunity. Go Devils!”

Yantis played high school football for Paradise valley High School before returning to the school as head coach for 14 seasons.

Following his time at Paradise Valley, Yantis took over at Arizona Christian University, developing the program into a NAIA college football program. In his first season, he received the NAIA Independent Conference Coach of the Year honors.

In 2015, he was named Central States Football League Coach of the Year, leading ACU to an undefeated season and making it to the CSFL Conference Championship.

“I have gotten to know coach Yantis very well in my early days on the job and have seen the dedication and passion he has put into his role with recruiting,” ASU head coach Herm Edwards said in a press release. “He has plenty to add on the coaching spectrum as well and know what it takes to build a program. I am excited to move Donnie into this position.”

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