Arizona State adds former Fresno State D-line coach Jamar Cain to staff

After coaching on the opposite side of the Las Vegas Bowl, former Fresno State defensive line coach Jamar Cain is officially headed to the Valley.

Arizona State announced the hiring of Cain as the assistant coach for the defensive line Tuesday.

“We have had our eye on Jamar as an up-and-coming coach for a while,” Edwards said in a press release. “He’s young, energetic and is the type of person who wants to make a name for himself in this business. That drive will be a great fit on my staff.”

Cain joined a Fresno State team that was coming off a 1-11 season in 2016. Since then, the Bulldogs have put up a 22-6 record over two seasons and been ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense. Cain’s corps was 11th in rush defense in 2017 (113.4 yards per game) and 30th in 2018 (132.1).

“Jamar has done a great job of proving himself throughout all levels of football,” assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales said in a press release. “He’s been very successful in his career as part of run-stopping defenses. He’s been a big part of lower division schools beating upper division schools (Cal Poly beat Wyoming while North Dakota State beat Iowa and Kansas State).

“Former players and coaches rave about his relationships with them. And, he was extremely impressive with his interview technique. He’ll be a fantastic addition to our staff.”

Cain takes over for former ASU D-line coach Shaun Nua, who left the program to take the same title with the Michigan Wolverines.

Before his stint with the Bulldogs, Cain worked with current Sun Devils offensive line coach and former Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen as the defensive line coach and later interim defensive coordinator during the 2013 season.

The Sacramento native also spent three seasons with North Dakota State (2014-16), which put together a 40-5 record over that time. The Bison won the 2014 and 2015 FCS Championship with Cain on the coaching staff.

Cain has some familiarity with the Valley.

In 2008, he spent the summer participating in the NFL’s minority internship program with the Arizona Cardinals. He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009.

“Growing up in the Sacramento area, I always admired Arizona State University for its successes both on and off the field,” Cain said. “In my opinion you can’t find better people, facilities and weather to work with. From the time I received the telephone call from Coach Edwards it was very difficult for me to say no.”

Cain will have a number of returning linemen next season, such as freshmen Tyler Johnson and Jermayne Lole and junior Darius Slade.

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