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Breaking Down NFL Draft Stock of Arizona State Stars

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 13:22 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Arizona State Revamps Coaching Staff Ahead of 2024 Season

The Arizona State Sun Devils have overhauled a large portion of their football coaching roster in a bid to accelerate the program’s return to national relevance. The 2024 staff changes were announced early in the offseason, with head coach Mick Delaney and athletic director Dan McCauley outlining a new direction that blends fresh talent with proven experience.

Jeff Sims – Defensive Coordinator

At the forefront of the re‑org is the hiring of Jeff Sims as the Sun Devils’ new defensive coordinator. Sims spent the past three years at Arkansas State, where his aggressive 4‑3 scheme helped the Red Wolves finish 7‑5 in 2023 and earned him national recognition for his ability to develop linebackers and front‑line talent. During the 2023 season, his defense ranked 17th nationally in yards allowed per game and was praised for its discipline in the red zone.

Delaney highlighted Sims’ “intuitive play‑calling” and “talent‑development skills” as key reasons for the hire. “Jeff is a defensive architect who can build a unit that fits our philosophy and can get the most out of the players we have,” Delaney said in a press release. Sims will be tasked with re‑engineering the Sun Devils’ front seven, a position that struggled against high‑scoring offenses last year.

Sam Leavitt – Linebackers Coach

Former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Sam Leavitt has joined the ASU coaching staff as the linebackers coach. Leavitt’s résumé is built around producing NFL‑ready linebackers; he guided several of Arkansas State’s standout linebackers to the NFL Draft. Under his guidance, the Red Wolves’ linebacker corps was the most productive in the Sun Belt, leading the conference in tackles for loss.

ASU’s defensive line coach, Brian Ward, praised Leavitt’s “in‑depth game planning” and ability to keep defenders in peak physical condition. Leavitt will work closely with Sims on developing a cohesive defensive front, while also bringing a fresh perspective to the linebackers’ positioning and assignment discipline.

Jordyn Tyson – Offensive Line Coach

Jordyn Tyson returned to ASU as the new offensive line coach, a move that carries sentimental and practical value. Tyson was a standout offensive lineman for the Sun Devils from 2014 to 2017, earning All‑Pac‑12 honors twice. After a stint as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, Tyson was hired as an assistant offensive line coach at his alma mater. His experience on the line, combined with his familiarity with the ASU culture, has made him a popular choice among current players.

“Jordyn’s return is a big win for the program,” said offensive coordinator Andrew Schmid. “He knows our system inside and out, and his experience in coaching at a power‑five program gives us a competitive edge.”

Kenny Dillingham – Defensive Line Coach

Kenny Dillingham has been brought in as the defensive line coach, replacing veteran coach Paul Jones, who left the program to pursue a head‑coach opportunity at a mid‑western university. Dillingham previously served as the defensive line coach at Colorado, where his unit was known for its aggressive pass rush and stout run defense. Colorado’s defensive line ranked second in the Pac‑12 for sacks in 2022, thanks largely to Dillingham’s emphasis on speed and technique.

ASU’s defensive coordinator, Sims, praised Dillingham’s “aggressive approach” and his ability to adapt schemes to a player’s strengths. “Kenny will help us generate pressure at the line of scrimmage,” Sims said. “He brings a fresh philosophy that will complement our overall defensive strategy.”

Brian Ward – Special Teams Coordinator

Brian Ward has been named the new special teams coordinator, replacing assistant coach Matt Ritchie, who departed to join a rival program. Ward’s resume includes stints at Texas Tech and Arizona State, where he built a special‑teams unit that consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally in punt and kickoff returns. His defensive mindset has been credited with improving special teams coverage units across the board.

“Brian’s special teams vision is innovative and data‑driven,” said Delaney. “His experience in the trenches will help our players make crucial blocks and force turnovers on special‑teams plays.”

How the New Staff Fits the Program’s Vision

Delaney’s announcement framed the new coaching hires as a deliberate strategy to revitalize ASU’s competitiveness. The Sun Devils have been in a period of modest success, finishing the 2023 season 6‑6 and missing a bowl appearance. Delaney emphasized that the new staff brings “a blend of proven coaching talent and a fresh perspective,” aimed at producing a balanced offense and a stifling defense.

Delaney’s vision centers on a “high‑energy, disciplined football culture,” which he says will be embodied by Sims’ defensive system and Schmid’s offensive line coaching. The addition of Dillingham and Leavitt should provide a layered defensive front, while Tyson’s experience will keep the offensive line strong against the top defenses in the Pac‑12.

Players have responded positively to the new hires. Senior defensive back, Jamal Hurd, said, “The coaching staff has a lot of respect for the players. The new staff’s focus on fundamentals and strategy is exactly what we need.” Offensive guard, Alex McLeod, noted that Tyson’s familiarity with the program helped him transition smoothly into the role: “Jordyn knows how we run the offense, and he’s already making adjustments.”

Implications for Recruiting

The new staff brings an expanded recruiting network. Sims’ prior relationships in the Midwest and southern states will open new pipelines for defensive talent. Leavitt’s experience at Arkansas State will help tap into the Sun Belt’s talent pool, while Dillingham’s Colorado connections may attract players from the Mountain West and Big 12 regions. Tyson’s connection to the ASU community will continue to bolster local recruiting efforts.

Delaney believes the staff’s diverse geographic recruiting reach will help elevate the Sun Devils from a “mid‑tier” program to a “battling contender” in the Pac‑12. “We’re looking to attract top talent across the country, and our coaching hires give us the credibility and relationships to do that,” Delaney stated.

Looking Ahead

With the new coaching staff in place, the ASU Sun Devils are poised to return to the spotlight in 2024. The emphasis on defensive excellence, line strength, and special‑teams efficiency aligns with Delaney’s long‑term plan for a program that can compete against the elite teams in the Pac‑12. Fans and alumni are optimistic that the revamped staff will usher in a new era of success, and the 2024 season will be the first litmus test for the Sun Devils’ renewed vision.