Kenny Dillingham Signs New Contract with Arizona State, Ends Michigan Coaching Speculation
Arizona State University’s head football coach, Kenny Dillingham, has secured a new five-year contract averaging nearly $7.5 million annually, effectively removing him from consideration for the vacant head coaching position at the University of Michigan.
Dillingham clarified on Saturday that he was “never offered” the Michigan job, stating that communication regarding such opportunities is handled by his agent and “it never got to that point.” Despite this, he acknowledged Michigan’s prestige, describing it as “an unbelievable job with unlimited resources, with people who will do whatever they can to make it successful.” He believes the Wolverines’ opening represents “an unbelievable opportunity” for whoever ultimately accepts the role.
The new agreement with Arizona State prioritizes investment in the coaching staff, increasing the salary pool to $11 million – positioning the program among the leaders in the Big 12 conference. While Arizona state law limits contracts to a maximum of five years, the deal includes incentives for potential extensions up to a decade.
This commitment follows a previous contract signed last year that already established Dillingham as the second-highest-paid coach in the Big 12 by 2025. However, a senior official emphasized that the latest deal’s core focus is on bolstering resources for the entire program. “We have the perfect coach for ASU,” the official stated. “We want to give him the tools to do his job the best way possible. That’s giving him resources to put into the staff and program and giving him longevity.”
The contract extension underscores Arizona State’s growing commitment to football, evidenced by their recent success. The Sun Devils achieved a landmark victory last season, winning the Big 12 championship and securing their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff. This marked the program’s first outright conference title since 1996.
The decision to retain Dillingham was a top priority for athletic director Graham Rossini, signaling a unified vision for the future of Sun Devils football.
Looking ahead, Dillingham has issued a bold challenge to the Phoenix community, calling for a significant philanthropic contribution to further elevate the program. “We need to find one of these really rich people in this city to step up and stroke a check, and I’ll do everything I can to make you the most famous person in the city,” he said. He expressed confidence that a donor capable of contributing $20 million exists within the city limits, and that such a gift could propel Arizona State to unprecedented heights.
Under Dillingham’s leadership, Arizona State has compiled a 22-16 overall record, including an impressive 19-7 mark over the past two seasons. The team is currently preparing to face Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on December 31st.
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ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg contributed to this report.
