Arizona State didn’t need to go far to find a defensive coordinator for new head coach Kenny Dillingham’s staff. In fact, the Sun Devils didn’t even need to leave the Pac-12.

This weekend, the team announced that Washington State DC Brad Ward was returning to his home state of Arizona to lead the Sun Devils’ defense in 2023 and beyond.

Dillingham praised Ward’s defense, which he had to face this past season as Oregon’s offensive coordinator:

“I had to go up against Coach Ward and that defense this season and I know firsthand how much of a challenge that was,” Dillingham said. “Coach Ward has had success at every stop and what he has done at Washington State is no surprise for those that have followed his career. His aggressive and opportunistic defenses have been a staple of his career and exactly what we need in Tempe.”

Before his 1 year at Washington State in 2022, Ward was Nevada’s defensive coordinator for 2 seasons.

Arizona State finished No. 9 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense in 2022, allowing 31.4 points per game. Ward will be tasked with turning that number around quickly.