ASU Assistant Strength Coach Steven Miller Dies at 29

Former Sun Devils offensive lineman suffered medical emergency after practice

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw emotion and energy of a football player, their face and uniform dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Arizona State football community mourns the unexpected passing of a beloved former player and coach, whose energy and spirit will be deeply missed.Phoenix Today

Arizona State University assistant strength and conditioning coach Steven Miller, a former Sun Devils offensive lineman, has died at the age of 29. Miller, a Gilbert High School alum, suffered a medical emergency after practice last week but had returned to the sidelines before his death. ASU has canceled Thursday's practice in the wake of the news.

Why it matters

Miller's death is a tragic loss for the ASU football community, where he had been a key member of the coaching staff after a successful playing career with the Sun Devils. The circumstances around his sudden passing at a young age have left the program and local community in mourning.

The details

Steven Miller played right tackle for the Arizona State Sun Devils football team from 2015 to 2019. After graduating, he joined the ASU coaching staff as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. Last week, Miller suffered a medical emergency after practice, but had returned to the sidelines before his death. The school has not released any further details about the cause of his passing.

  • Miller suffered a medical emergency after practice last week.
  • He had returned to the sidelines this week before his death.

The players

Steven Miller

A 29-year-old former offensive lineman for the Arizona State Sun Devils who later joined the coaching staff as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Arizona State University

The university where Miller played and coached, whose football program is mourning his passing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The Sun Devil Football family mourns the passing of Steven Miller. We extend our thoughts to those who knew and loved him.'”

— Arizona State University

The takeaway

The sudden death of a young coach and former player has left the Arizona State football community in shock, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another during difficult times.