Sun Devil Athletics mourns the death of former player, coach, and administrator Joe McDonald, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 77.
McDonald played defensive line for the Sun Devils from 1963-64 under head coach Frank Kush after transferring from Bakersfield Junior College, where he received All-American honors. He immediately earned a starting role at defense end in 1963, becoming a key part of a defensive unit that helped lead the Sun Devils to an 16-3 record during his two seasons in Tempe. Following his playing career, McDonald spent one season as a student assistant freshman coach at ASU before returning to his alma mater, Bakersfield High, to coach wrestling and football. He would later go on to join Coach Kush's staff from 1969-73, serving as the Wide Receiver's coach for five seasons.
McDonald was on staff for one of the greatest seasons in Arizona State Football history. The 1970 team went 11-0 while achieving several program firsts, including securing Arizona State's first ever top-10 national ranking, an undefeated season and an appearance in the school's first nationally televised bowl game. The Sun Devils defeated North Carolina, 48-26, in the third annual Peach Bowl and finished No. 6 in the final AP Poll. During his time in Tempe, McDonald mentored some of the top playmakers in school history, coaching AP All-American split end J.D. Hill and FWAA All-American wide receiver Steve Holden. The Sun Devils went 51-6 during the five years McDonald was on staff.
Later in his career, he remained involved in Sun Devil Athletics. Athletic Director Dick Tamburo added him to administrative staff as an Associate Athletic Director, a position he held from 1981-83.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Sharon, his two daughters, Chanda and Elise, as well as his four grandchildren and 6 siblings. Services will be held tomorrow (11/23) at First Institutional Baptist Church with the viewing scheduled to take place at 11 AM followed by the funeral services at noon.
McDonald played defensive line for the Sun Devils from 1963-64 under head coach Frank Kush after transferring from Bakersfield Junior College, where he received All-American honors. He immediately earned a starting role at defense end in 1963, becoming a key part of a defensive unit that helped lead the Sun Devils to an 16-3 record during his two seasons in Tempe. Following his playing career, McDonald spent one season as a student assistant freshman coach at ASU before returning to his alma mater, Bakersfield High, to coach wrestling and football. He would later go on to join Coach Kush's staff from 1969-73, serving as the Wide Receiver's coach for five seasons.
McDonald was on staff for one of the greatest seasons in Arizona State Football history. The 1970 team went 11-0 while achieving several program firsts, including securing Arizona State's first ever top-10 national ranking, an undefeated season and an appearance in the school's first nationally televised bowl game. The Sun Devils defeated North Carolina, 48-26, in the third annual Peach Bowl and finished No. 6 in the final AP Poll. During his time in Tempe, McDonald mentored some of the top playmakers in school history, coaching AP All-American split end J.D. Hill and FWAA All-American wide receiver Steve Holden. The Sun Devils went 51-6 during the five years McDonald was on staff.
Later in his career, he remained involved in Sun Devil Athletics. Athletic Director Dick Tamburo added him to administrative staff as an Associate Athletic Director, a position he held from 1981-83.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Sharon, his two daughters, Chanda and Elise, as well as his four grandchildren and 6 siblings. Services will be held tomorrow (11/23) at First Institutional Baptist Church with the viewing scheduled to take place at 11 AM followed by the funeral services at noon.