TEMPE, Ariz. — Former Arizona State football coach Bruce Snyder says he has cancer.

Snyder issued a statement through the university's sports information office confirming that he has cancer, though he wasn't specific about the kind or severity.

In the statement, the 68-year-old former coach said he appreciates the public support, but he also asked for privacy.

Snyder, the 1996 NCAA coach of the year, went 58-47 in nine seasons for the Sun Devils. He was dismissed after the 2000 season despite getting to the Aloha Bowl.

Snyder previously coached at California and Utah State.