Clint Myers Leaving Arizona State For Auburn

Arizona State softball head coach Clint Myers is leaving the program to take the same position at Auburn University. Myers spent eight seasons in Tempe, leading the Sun Devils to an unprecedented seven Women's College World Series appearances.

Auburn parted ways with longtime head coach Tina Deese last month. Deese was the head coach of the Tigers since 1996, leading Auburn to nine regional appearances in 17 years.

According to Tyler Killian of the Arizona Republic, money was not the deciding factor for Myers. Arizona State was prepared to raise his salary, however Myers has family in Alabama and would like to be closer to them.

Myers went 427-102 in eight seasons at the helm of the Sun Devils. He made the Women's College World Series in his first four seasons as head coach, winning the National Championship in 2008.

After being knocked out in the Super Regionals in 2010, Arizona State has made it to Oklahoma City in three consecutive seasons. The Sun Devils captured their second National Championship in 2011 and this past season went 0-2 in Oklahoma City.

Myers leaves Arizona State as one of three coaches in program history with 400 wins. He won at least 50 games six times and won more than 60 games twice.

The Sun Devils only lose one senior from their starting lineup in 2012, second baseman Sam Parlich. The team will return Dallas Escobedo and Mackenzie Popsecue in the circle and Pac-12 Player of the Year Amber Freeman behind the plate. Alix Johnson, Bailey Wigness and Cheyenne Coyle are other major contributors that will return in 2013.

According to Killian, Associate head coach Chuck D'Arcy is a candidate to replace Myers, however it is likely that Arizona State will conduct a national search to find Myers' replacement.