ASU Football: Changes Defining Coaching Staff in Spring

Following co-defensive coordinator Ron West’s departure for North Carolina, safeties coach Chris Ball was promoted to the position.

In January, running backs coach Larry Porter left to take the same position at Texas, prompting Graham to bring back Chris Thomsen, who was hired before last season, but took a position at Texas Tech before ever coaching a down in Tempe.

This week, offensive line coach Bob Connelly was dismissed from the staff, while Jackie Shipp was hired away from Oklahoma to coach the defensive line. Shipp is lauded as a dynamic recruiter, with strong connections to California.

Update: Monday, on-campus recruiting coordinator Bo Graham (Todd Graham’s son) was promoted to running backs coach; meaning Chris Thomsen will likely be named the new offensive line coach.

ASU’s spring practice begins March 19.