ASU Football: Billy Napier named head coach at Louisiana

Arizona State Sun Devils associate head coach and offensive coordinator Billy Napier agreed to become the new head coach of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Friday morning.

Napier is the second consecutive offensive coordinator to leave the program after one season in Tempe, as Chip Lindsey took the OC job at Auburn following the 2016 season.

“My family and I are excited and humbled for the opportunity to serve Cajun Nation and our Louisiana football program,” Napier said in a statement released by the University of Louisiana. “We will make it a priority to bring in the best talent from the state of Louisiana and the nation.”

Napier is expected to make $900,000 per year, plus incentives, according to Sun Devil Source.

The contract is a five-year deal that could earn him about $1.5 million in his first season. It also includes a $2 million hiring pool for assistants, according to ESPN.

In a statement released by ASU, wide receivers coach Rob Likens and running backs coach John Simon are expected to stay with the program, but no mention was made of offensive line coach Rob Sale, a Louisiana native.

ASU head coach Herm Edwards' statement read as follows:

“I wish Bill nothing but the best in his coaching career. I can assure all Sun Devil fans that I am working diligently on hiring a coaching staff that will fit what we are trying to accomplish at ASU, led by incredible senior quarterback Manny Wilkins. Assistant Head Coach and Running Backs Coach John Simon and Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach Rob Likens will be a part of my staff going forward."

Napier was not at practice Friday and Likens appeared to be calling plays from the sideline.

Napier will coach the Sun Devils in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 29.