Steven Miller holds up the Arizona State pitchfork.

Steven Miller was an ASU offensive lineman, who got into coaching after his playing career. Joe Robbins / Getty Images

April 16, 2026Updated 5:42 pm EDT

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State assistant strength coach Steven Miller died Wednesday night. The football program confirmed Miller’s death on social media and canceled Thursday’s spring practice.

Miller, 29, had recently dealt with medical issues, but the cause of death was not immediately known. The Arizona Republic reported that Miller had suffered a medical incident after practice on April 7 but returned to the practice field a week later.

A local product who attended nearby Gilbert High, Miller attended Arizona State from 2015 to 2019, earning a starting spot on the offensive line under coaches Todd Graham and Herm Edwards. After college, Miller worked in support roles under former Arizona State offensive coordinator Billy Napier at Louisiana and Florida. He later returned home to work under Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham.

“So heartbreaking,” Graham said in a text message to The Athletic. “In all my years at ASU, no one loved being a Sun Devil more than Steven Miller! He had a heart of gold & loved being a part of our team. He overcame so much as a young person that he truly appreciated being part of our close-knit family. He had a smile on his face and joy in his heart every day! … He was always the last one to leave the field, signing young kids’ autographs and taking pictures. I know personally he has a strong Faith in God, so I know he is in a better place. Left us way too soon.”

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Apr 17, 2026

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