Dillingham aims to keep coordinator at ASU for “a long time”

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State had one of the best defensive performances in recent memory last Saturday against Washington. A huge part of that was thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Ward. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham recognizes that and gives Ward a lot of credit for it.

“Not many people, to be honest, can call Cover 0 in the open field,” Dillingham said. “Some people are scared to do it, just as a program… and for us to not be scared, to be that aggressive… is a testament to Coach Ward and what we’re trying to do here.”

On Saturday, Ward and the ASU defense held one of the most prolific offenses in college football in check. The Sun Devils held Washington to just nine offensive points and zero touchdowns. ASU held Washington to 288 yards, over 200 yards below their season average. It was the fewest amount of yards the Huskies have had since the 2021 season.

The Devils also (finally) forced turnovers, picking off Michael Penix Jr. twice, and recovering two fumbles. They also held the Heisman favorite (at the time) to his fewest amount of passing yards in a Washington uniform.

It truly was a defensive masterclass from the defense. Washington’s future opponents will study Ward’s gameplan, as he just laid the blueprint to slowing down the only undefeated team in the Pac-12.

Dillingham wants to keep defensive coordinator Brian Ward around for “a long time.”

The Arizona State defense’s performance against Washington was the cherry on top for a defense that has consistently been great this season. Now as the offseason lingers only a few months away, whispers of Ward leaving for a better job have already begun.

This week after practice, Dillingham was quick to put those whispers to bed.

“In terms of Coach Ward, we want to keep him here for a long time,” Dillingham said. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure that happens.”

That is news that Sun Devil fans should be pleased about.

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