Arizona State assistant football coach dies

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Arizona State football assistant strength coach Steven Miller has died, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office and confirmed by the university's football social media account.

Miller, 29, passed away Wednesday, April 15.

Miller, who suffered from epilepsy, had endured medical issues recently, one incident occurring after the team had wrapped up practice on April 7. Most of the players had left the practice facility, but about 25 or so remained behind, some waiting for transportation back and others doing interviews with the media.

Miller was not at the next two practices, but was back at practice on April 14.

He was one of the coaches who had a special bond with many of the team's players.

Jeff Sims, who played quarterback from 2024 to 2025, posted a photo on his social media of Miller after the Big 12 conference championship win over Iowa State with the caption: "Solid as they come rest up my dawg."

Miller, a self-described "Arizona kid," spoke to The Arizona Republic following the Jan. 1, 2025, Peach Bowl loss to Texas, saying he was "sad we didn't come out the way we wanted to," but that he appreciated the fans coming out.

"This is stuff as a player I dreamed about, personally, so to see these guys create this environment, the Valley is activated," said Miller, reflecting on the fan catch phrase. "This is all you can ask for," Miller said, pointing to the fans.

"Skat (Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo) played his freaking butt off, they all did. The whole line played hard. Defense played hard. It just came down to the end."

ASU lost that game, 39-31, in double overtime.

Some players posted tributes.

Miller, a local product out of Gilbert High, played tackle and guard for ASU from 2015-19. He played in 49 games and started 35. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2015, but played in 11 games, starting three of those in 2016. He was part of the regular rotation for his last three years, his final game being the 2019 Sun Bowl, in which the Sun Devils defeated Florida State.

Miller served as a graduate assistant at Louisiana-Lafayette and the University of Florida, but returned home three years ago to work under Kenny Dillingham.

Chris Karpman first reported the news via X.

Republic reporter Rey Covarrubias contributed to this report.

(This story has been updated to add information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU assistant football coach, Gilbert alum Steven Miller dies

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