Arizona State coach steps down, citing health reasons

Arizona State delivered some unexpected news Sunday night: special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle is no longer with the team, as he's taking a leave of absence due to health reasons.

Ragle has been with Arizona State for the past three seasons and was one of the first hires of Kenny Dillingham's inaugural coaching staff. He came over from FCS Idaho State, where he was the head coach. The former head coach at Chaparral High School in Arizona, Ragle led his team to three state titles during his tenure.

Ragle was also the head coach who gave young Dillingham, then a student at Chaparral, his very first coaching job. Dillingham specifically mentioned Ragle's name in his introductory press conference as one of his biggest mentors, highlighting the importance that Ragle holds in the head coach's journey.

Per reports, Ragle has been dealing with a long-term health issue for several years that was exacerbated in recent weeks while Arizona State struggled. That led to the decision for Ragle to take this leave of absence, though reports also stress that Ragle was not fired nor asked to step down.

For the remainder of the season, assistant special teams coordinator Jack Nudo - who rejoined the program this offseason - will take over Ragle's role.

The timing of the move is sure to raise some eyebrows. Ragle's special teams unit has been the target of plenty of ire this season, as was the case last year too. The Sun Devils' most recent loss featured several especially egregious miscues on special teams, including a last-second roughing the kicker that took away a missed field goal for the Cougars.

Of course, none of that has anything to do with the human element of this sport. All of Sun Devil Nation surely sends their best wishes to Ragle and hopes for a full recovery, regardless of any opinions on what happens on the football field.