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Napier leaves Arizona State to become Louisiana-Lafayette head coach

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If Arizona State thought it answered all of its coaching problems by firing Todd Graham and replacing him with Herm Edwards, the last week has been a reality check.

Sun Devils athletic director Ray Anderson made it clear upon relieving Graham of his duties on Nov. 26 that any incoming head coach had to consider retaining both defensive coordinator Phil Bennett and offensive coordinator Billy Napier.

It doesn't appear that gesture had much of an impact, as Bennett declared Tuesday he wouldn't return for personal reasons, and Napier left the program Friday to become the next head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette.

"I wish Bill nothing but the best in his coaching career," Edwards said in a statement. "I can assure all Sun Devil fans that I am working diligently on hiring a coaching staff that will fit what we are trying to accomplish at ASU, led by incredible senior quarterback Manny Wilkins. Assistant head coach and running backs coach John Simon and co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Rob Likens will be a part of my staff going forward."

Anderson and Edwards will now be forced to fill two significant voids on the Sun Devils' coaching staff with the early signing period fast approaching.

Pending an official announcement, Napier will replace former Ragin' Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth after the latter accepted the associate head coach and tight ends coaching position at Mississippi State.

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