Mesa Legend - Sports around the Valley

Sports around the Valley

Welcome back Randy

Randy Johnson returns to the desert for his second go around with the Arizona Diamondbacks, signing a 2-year, $26 million contract. Johnson, who will be 43 years-old on opening day, was co-MVP of the Diamondback’s lone World Series championship in 2001.

Suns continue hot play

While a 1-5 start had many Phoenix faithful worried, the Suns have bounced back, winning 25 out of their last 28. They are 26-8, as of January 9th, and are just one game back of the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the NBA. The Suns have been led once again by the stellar play of Steve Nash who is in the running for a third straight MVP title. Phoenix has also been helped by the return of Amare Stoudemire, who is in his first full season back off of his knee injury.

Erickson to coach ASU

Arizona State Athletic Director Lisa Love has hired Dennis Erickson to be the new head football coach of the Sun Devils. Erickson, who has coached the San Francisco 49ers and Oregon State Beavers, is the 12th winningest active Division I coach. Erickson has one two National Championships (1989, 1991) with the University of Miami and was the Sporting News Coach of the Year in 2000. Meanwhile Dirk Koetter, who was the Sun Devil’s head coach from 2001-2006, was hired by Jack Del Rio to be the new offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Koetter left ASU with a 40-34 record and led the Sun Devils to three consecutive bowl apperances.