ASU offensive coordinator Zak Hill resigns amid NCAA investigation: AP source

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ASU Sports

TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State offensive coordinator Zak Hill has resigned amid an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations, a person familiar with the move confirmed to The Associated Press.

Hill became the fourth assistant to leave the program this week, the person said on Jan. 28 on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.

Hill’s resignation was first reported by Sun Devil Source, and Arizona State University officials say they can confirm that Hill is no longer employed by the university.

"This is the only comment we will have at this time," university officials said.

Hill was hired away from Boise State to spark Arizona State’s offense and had some success in 2020 before the Sun Devils struggled last season.

Team undergoing shakeup

Wide receivers coach Prentice Gill and secondary coach Chris Hawkins were fired for cause and tight ends coach Adam Breneman resigned earlier this week. All three were placed on administrative leave prior to the 2021 season in the wake of an investigation into Arizona State’s hosting of recruits on campus during an NCAA-mandated COVID-19 dead period, among other possible infractions. The investigation is still ongoing.

Herm Edwards appeared to be on the hot seat with the investigation hanging over the program and a string of ugly midseason losses, but athletic director Ray Anderson said the head coach would return for a fifth season after Arizona State beat Arizona in the regular-season finale.

Meanwhile, Arizona State also promoted graduate assistant Bobby Wade to wide receivers coach and interim tight ends coach Juston Wood to the full-time position.

A sports expert said the shakeups within the team has made an impact.

"This definitely was the most talented team that ASU had in quite a while," said Hod Rabino with devilsdigest.com. "It made a splash, and you feel ever since the recruiting violations came to light in the summer, it took the air out of this team. It wrecked this recruiting class for the next year as well. Obviously, going into fall camp with three brand-new coaches is not an ideal situation."

College sports expert says shakeups within ASU football team has had an impact

The departure of offensive coordinator Zak Hill from the Arizona State University football team marks the fourth assistant to leave the program this week. Hill's departure came during an NCAA investigation into allegations that ASU's football program hosted recruits during a 14-month dead period during training.