Arizona State Football coach Todd Graham added a fourth new member to his coaching staff on Friday, announcing that former UCLA Offensive Line coach Bob Connelly has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Sun Devils. This announcement comes close on the heels of the hiring of Chris Thomsen, formerly of Abilene Christian, Mike Norvell of Pitt, and Chris Ball, formerly with the Washington State Cougars.
According to ASU's official press release on the hire, Bob Connelly spent the 2011 season coaching the offensive line for the UCLA Bruins, and the previous four seasons in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as the offensive line coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Connely was named one of the nation's Top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com in 2005, and coached a number of All-SEC performers during his time in Alabama. His offensive line helped the Crimson Tide carve out the 20th-best rushing attack in the country and the top rushing game in the SEC in 2004. They also ranked second in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed. In 2003, Connelly's line led a rushing attack that netted 2,067 yards - fourth-best in the Southeastern Conference - and produced two All-SEC linemen. Alabama played in three bowlgames during his four seasons, including the 2007 Independence Bowl, 2006 Cotton Bowl and the 2004 Music City Bowl.
Another in a line of intriguing hires by Todd Graham, the new ASU Football coach.
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