Arizona State Vice President for University Athletics Lisa Love announced that Dennis Erickson will not return for a sixth season as head football coach at Arizona State. Erickson will be allowed to coach the Sun Devils in their bowl game.
"We are grateful for the service Dennis and his staff provided for the past five years," said Love in ASU's official press release. "Even during the most difficult times, he represented ASU with dignity. As he pursued success at the highest level within the Pac-12 conference, he improved the overall competitive health of the Sun Devils by attracting tremendous players to the university. With the confidence earned by his remarkable career, he never doubted the capability of ASU to compete for the Rose Bowl."
Erickson could not replicate the success of his first season in Tempe in 2007 when he led the Sun Devils to a Pac-10 title, a 10-win season and a trip to the Holiday Bowl.
Erickson will receive around half of his $1.5 million salary for the remainder of his contract which is through Jan. 15, 2013. Erickson recorded a 31-30 record in his five seasons with the Sun Devils.
His record at Arizona State does not compare to his earlier successes, especially with the Miami Hurricanes where he won two National Championships in 1989 and 1991 and compiled a substantial portion of his 176-96-1 collegiate coaching record.