Arizona State Sun Devils Football Mourns the Loss of Steven Miller
The Arizona State University (ASU) football program is in mourning following the passing of assistant strength coach Steven Miller, confirmed by the university’s official football social media account. Miller, just 29 years old, passed away on Wednesday, April 15th, leaving a significant void within the team and the wider ASU community.
A Battle with Epilepsy and Recent Health Challenges
Miller had been facing health challenges related to epilepsy in recent weeks. An incident occurred after practice on April 7th, while most players had already departed. Approximately 25 players remained, either awaiting transportation or conducting interviews, when Miller experienced a medical episode. He was absent from the following two practices but bravely returned on April 14th, demonstrating his dedication to the team.
A Coach Who Forged Deep Connections
Steven Miller was more than just a coach; he was a mentor and friend to many of the Sun Devils players. His ability to connect with athletes on a personal level was widely recognized. Former quarterback Jeff Sims, who played for ASU from 2024-2025, shared a touching photo on social media following the Big 12 championship win over Iowa State, captioning it: “Solid as they come rest up my dawg.” This sentiment reflects the profound impact Miller had on those he coached.
A Proud Arizona Native
A true “Arizona kid,” as he described himself, Miller spoke to The Arizona Republic after the January 1, 2025, Peach Bowl loss to Texas. Despite the disappointment of the outcome, he expressed gratitude for the incredible fan support. “This is stuff as a player I dreamed about, personally, so to see these guys create this environment, the Valley is activated,” he said, echoing the popular fan phrase. He emphasized the importance of the fans, stating, “This is all you can ask for.” He specifically praised the performance of running back Cam Skattebo and the entire team, acknowledging their hard work despite the 39-31 double-overtime defeat.
From Player to Coach: A Sun Devil Through and Through
Miller’s connection to ASU ran deep. He was a former Sun Devil football player himself, having played tackle and guard from 2015 to 2019. During his playing career, he appeared in 49 games, starting 35. After redshirting his freshman year, he became a regular contributor to the team, culminating in a memorable victory over Florida State in the 2019 Sun Bowl.
Returning Home to Serve
Following his playing career, Miller gained valuable experience as a graduate assistant at Louisiana-Lafayette and the University of Florida. However, his heart led him back to Arizona three years ago, where he joined Kenny Dillingham’s coaching staff. The news was first reported by Chris Karpman via X (formerly Twitter), and further reporting was contributed by Rey Covarrubias of The Arizona Republic.
The loss of Steven Miller is a deeply felt tragedy for the Arizona State Sun Devils football program and the entire ASU community. His dedication, passion, and genuine care for his players will be remembered fondly.
Further Reading: You can find more information about the Arizona State Sun Devils football program on the official ASU Athletics website.
