Arizona State Football Assistant Strength Coach Steven Miller Dead at 29

Arizona State University assistant football strength coach Steven Millerhas died at age 29, the university confirmed on Thursday, April 16.

No cause of death has been made available for Miller, who died on Wednesday, April 15, according to the Arizona Republic. The Sun Devils canceled practice on Thursday in light of the news.

"The Sun Devil Football family mourns the passing of Steven Miller," the football program wrote via social media on Thursday. "We extend our thoughts to those who knew and loved him."

Miller played 49 games for Arizona State during his college days from 2015 to 2019. After graduate assistant stints at the University of Louisiana and University of Florida, he returned to ASU in 2023.

Miller suffered from epilepsy, according to the Arizona Republic, and had "endured medical issues" in recent weeks.

Chris Karpman of SunDevilSource.com was first to report the news of Miller's death.

"I was speaking with him in person last Tuesday, following an ASU practice, when he had a medical incident," Karpman wrote via X. "He returned to practice this Tuesday and I again spoke with him. He was smiling and in good spirits. I thought he was going to be OK. That made me happy for him. Learning that he'd passed was one of the worst things I've heard covering the team. I feel terrible for Miller's family and everyone close to him. He made a very positive impact on people and will be remembered as such."

In the hours since news of Miller's death broke, Arizona State players have taken to social media to remember their coach.

"Most Genuine guy in the program!" defensive lineman Justin Wodtly wrote via X. "Team first guy 💔🕊️ Fly High my dawg."

Quarterback Cameron Dyer added, "Always empowered others around you! The epitome of a servant leader. Rest easy brother. Love fam❤️🕊️"

Head coach Kenny Dillingham also posted a tribute, writing via X, "Praying for everyone who knew Steve. He had a joy for people that was unmatched and impacted so many lives. We lost a good one #SunDevil4LIFE."

Miller most recently spoke to the media about his time in Tempe after the Sun Devils lost to Texas in the Peach Bowl in January 2025.

"This is stuff as a player I dreamed about, personally, so to see these guys create this environment, the Valley is activated," he told the Arizona Republic. "This is all you can ask for."

Arizona State is scheduled to host the Arizona State Fan Fest on Friday, April 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. They also have a scheduled football practice the next day. The university has not announced if either event will continue as scheduled.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 1:37 PM.