After being considered a strong candidate to be named the Arizona State offensive coordinator at some point in the coming days, it appears Sonny Dykes won’t be joining the Sun Devils after all.
According to azcentral’s Jeff Metcalfe, Dykes is unable to join ASU “due to family issues making TCU (a) better fit for now”.
Sonny Dykes was legit candidate for #ASU offensive coordinator but is unable to due to family issues making TCU better fit for now
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) January 27, 2017
SunDevilSource.com provided more insight as to what specifically has removed Dykes from consideration.
A terminally ill father will keep Sonny Dykes from being ASU’s next offensive coordinator, per source. Todd Graham looking at other options
— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) January 27, 2017
A big reason Dykes is at TCU now is to be closer to his father in what may be the last year of his life. It was close to happening at ASU.
— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) January 27, 2017
Dykes is currently an offensive analyst at Texas Christian. Multiple reports from Thursday speculated he could have been named the Sun Devils’ next offensive coordinator as soon as Friday, however that wasn’t the case.
ASU will continue its quest to fill the void left by Chip Lindsey, who previously held offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach responsibilities before accepting a job on Auburn’s coaching staff.
While Dykes appeared to be the Sun Devils’ No. 1 candidate for the position, they reportedly are considering naming wide receivers coach Rob Likens and offensive line coach and assistant head coach Josh Henson as co-offensive coordinators. Each do hold previous experience serving in such capacity.
ASU will hope to secure an offensive coordinator prior to National Signing Day, which is Wednesday, Feb. 1.