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Frank Kush, who built Arizona State into a powerhouse, dies at 88

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Frank Kush, the fearsome coach who transformed Arizona State's football program into a powerhouse, has died, the university confirmed. He was 88.

Kush compiled a 176-54-1 record while coaching the Sun Devils from 1958 to 1979. His teams won two Border Conference and seven Western Athletic Conference titles.

Arizona State won the Peach Bowl in 1970 and the first three Fiesta Bowls. His 1975 team went 12-0, capped by a 17-14 Fiesta Bowl victory over Nebraska.

Kush's intense coaching style figured prominently in his firing in October 1979 for what the university said was his interference in an internal investigation of allegations by a former player of physical and mental harassment.