Frank Kush: The Legendary Architect of Arizona State Football Dominance
Frank Kush is considered by many to be one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, best known for his iconic tenure as the head coach of the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils from 1958 to 1979. Known for his fierce discipline, iron-willed leadership, and unrelenting work ethic, Kush transformed a relatively obscure football program into a national powerhouse, earning a legacy that still echoes through college football history.
When Kush took over the ASU football program in 1958, few could have predicted the monumental impact he would have. Over the next 22 seasons, he compiled an astonishing 176–54–1 record, making him the winningest coach in school history. His teams were characterized by their physical toughness, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, the Sun Devils not only won games — they dominated.
Kush’s coaching philosophy was forged during his playing days as a lineman at Michigan State under legendary coach Clarence “Biggie” Munn. He brought that same intensity and attention to detail to ASU. Known for grueling practices, Kush demanded physical and mental toughness from his players. His approach was not for the faint of heart, but those who endured often credited him for their success on and off the field.
The pinnacle of Kush’s coaching career came during the 1970s, when the Sun Devils routinely finished among the top programs in the nation. From 1970 to 1975, ASU posted a staggering 62–9 record, including a perfect 12–0 season in 1975. That year, the Sun Devils defeated Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl and were ranked No. 2 in the final Associated Press poll — a crowning moment for both Kush and the program.
Beyond the numbers, Kush’s impact on Arizona State extended far deeper. He elevated the school’s national profile, helped build Sun Devil Stadium into a formidable home venue, and inspired a loyal fan base that endures to this day. Many of his former players went on to successful careers in the NFL and often credited their resilience and character to the hard lessons learned under Kush’s tutelage.
However, Kush’s tenure was not without controversy. In 1979, he was fired amid allegations of player mistreatment and interference in the university’s investigation into those claims. Despite the contentious end to his coaching career at ASU, his contributions to the program are undeniable and have since been reconciled with his legacy. In 1996, the university honored him by naming the playing field at Sun Devil Stadium “Frank Kush Field,” a testament to his enduring impact.
Frank Kush passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on through Arizona State football and the countless lives he influenced. To this day, he is remembered as a fierce competitor, a master motivator, and the man who put ASU on the college football map. His name remains synonymous with discipline, grit, and excellence — the foundational traits of a true coaching legend.
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