Tributes Pour In After College Football Coach Dies 'Suddenly' at 29

Tributes are pouring in after a beloved college football coach has died at 29 years old on Thursday.

Steven Miller, an assistant strength coach at Arizona State, died suddenly at 29 years old on Wednesday night. He was an offensive lineman for the Sun Devils from 2015-19, before getting into coaching. Miller had some health issues recently, before dying on Wednesday night.

"A tragedy has befallen ASU's football team and community. Assistant strength coach Steven Miller, a former Sun Devil OL (2015-19) and Gilbert HS graduate, died last night. Miller was loved by ASU's players. He'd had some medical issues recently. Today's practice was canceled," Chris Karpman shared.

The Arizona State reporter shared an emotional tribute.

"We're taught in this business to emotionally separate ourselves from what we're covering. Impossible to do that in this situation. I've known Steven for 11-12 years, since he was in HS. Truly a great person with a special care for ASU and its players. I was speaking with him in person last Tuesday, following an ASU practice, when he had a medical incident. 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," he wrote.

College football fans are paying tribute online

"Most Genuine guy in the program ! Team first guy 💔🕊️ Fly High my dawg," one player wrote.

"Since the first day I met him I knew how special he was. Nothing but love for everyone he interacted with. Thanks for everything, love you SM🕊️❤️," another added.

"Devastating loss for the ASU football team and community. Steven Miller was a man loved by many," another shared.

"Feel terrible for the whole ASU football community. Didn't have a chance to meet Steven but everyone in that program has been nothing but gracious, caring, and just generally great people. Prayers up to the whole program 🙏," one shared.

May he rest in peace.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:54 AM.