TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham may have a familiar face joining his coaching staff next year.
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Oregon cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin oversees players during practice Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin is “likely” to join the Sun Devils for the 2026 season. Martin has previously coached at UCLA, Michigan State, Oregon and Colorado.
Longtime DBs coach Demetrice Martin who coached the secondary at UCLA in 2025, is likely to reunite with Kenny Dillingham on the Sun Devils staff at ASU, per source. They’d coached together at Oregon.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 29, 2025
Feldman’s report comes at an important time for the program in Tempe. Earlier this month, Dillingham and Arizona State finalized a deal to keep him in the Valley for five more years. The extension included a commitment to increase the football staff salary pool to around $11 million.
The increase gives the program greater flexibility to retain top-tier coaches and attract new ones. Martin’s experience working with defensive backs, along with his leadership background at programs such as Oregon, positions him as a strong candidate to join the ASU staff.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham walks the field before a game against Arizona at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 28, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
But the potential hire isn’t solely about money.
Dillingham and Martin share a history, most notably from their time coaching together at Oregon. That familiarity could play a significant role, as Dillingham continues to build continuity and trust within the Sun Devils’ program. Martin’s understanding of how the head coach operates and his expectations could make the potential new hire an immediate asset.
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) with passing game coordinator coach Demetrice Martin against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
With an existing connection to Tempe and proven expertise in secondary development, Martin appears to be a strong fit to Arizona State and could help shape the next generation of Sun Devils defensive stars.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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