Dec. 6, 2011

TEMPE, Ariz. - Communication From Sun Devil Athletics

During this coaching search, several senior staff members in the athletic department have been in contact with former football student-athletes from many different eras of Sun Devil football to gather their insights and input on our football coaching search. From the outset, ASU has been proactive in seeking out the assessments and viewpoints of a significant number of former football student-athletes. Sun Devil Athletics and these former student-athletes all share a common goal: to build a consistently successful football program that competes at the highest level. The goals of this football program remain the same: to compete for Pac-12 championships and the Rose Bowl while graduating our student-athletes.

The Senior administration respects and values input from former players as we search for a new head football coach. Many former players from all generations have given their thoughts about what we need and insights on who they believe would be good leaders of the program. We will continue our pursuit of a coach with these thoughts in mind.

In speaking to these former student-athletes, senior staff members have gathered their thoughts and concerns about what they are seeking in our new football coach and have found their input useful. There has not been a consensus among our former players as to whom our coach should be. Sun Devil Athletics is very appreciative of their input and we share their passion, energy and love for this University and its football program.

The athletic department has a system in place that allows former student-athletes to be involved with the athletic department, through the Sun Devil Club Letter Winners Program. Run by a former football student-athlete, the Sun Devil Club Letter Winners Program allows any former athlete to offer feedback about the state of Sun Devil Athletics and allow them to do so anonymously if they so choose.

Contrary to what was reported today, at no time on Monday were either Vice President of Athletics Lisa Love or Chief Operating Officer Stephen Patterson asked to comment on the state of the coaching search or on the topic of meeting with former student-athletes. Had a request been received, both Love and Patterson would have discussed everything that has been mentioned above.

We value the passion and support of the former student-athletes as has always been our practice. Let's continue to work together to grow the base of support for a program that all of us can be proud of.

Go Devils!