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Arizona State’s Defensive Coordinator Has Been Nominated For a Big-Time Award

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Zac Tipton | Last updated 11/16/23

Brian Ward has become an incredible hire for Coach Dillingham and his staff. Ward, who coached at Washington State last year, returned home to become ASU’s Defensive Coordinator. Not only has he turned this defense around from last year, but he’s held top offenses to season lows each week. He is getting recognition.

It was reported that Brian Ward was nominated for the Broyles Award, which was given to the best assistant coach in College Football. Ward was nominated with about 50 others, but it is still great to see him getting recognition.

B-Ward, D-Cord!

Brian Ward has been nominated for the 2023 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coach!#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/6lgYikrONz

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 15, 2023

Ward held Washington to historically low numbers. This included forcing the top Heisman candidate at the time, Michael Penix Jr, to 275 yards and two interceptions. Ward’s defense held Washington to no offensive touchdowns. They held a boiling-hot Colorado to under 300 yards and completely shut down UCLA inside the 50. He has been fantastic this season, turning guys like Shammari Simmons, Jordan Clark, BJ Green, and Dashaun Mallory into top defensive players. Ward was given a multi-year extension to remain in Tempe for his efforts.

Brian Ward probably won’t win, but what he has done in his first year at ASU is incredible. He will continue to build ASU’s defense for years to come.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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