In a bold move that’s sure to shake up the coaching carousel, Kenny Dillingham has reportedly pledged his future to Arizona State, telling players he’ll be back in 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite being one of the hottest names in college football coaching, Dillingham seems to be doubling down on his commitment to the Sun Devils—even as powerhouse programs like Auburn, LSU, and Florida reportedly eye him as a top candidate. Could this be a strategic play, or is Dillingham genuinely all-in on Tempe? Let’s dive in.
According to 247Sports’ Sun Devil Source, Dillingham made a surprising appearance in several position meeting rooms last week, delivering a clear message: he’s not going anywhere. “He just walked in, said he wasn’t going anywhere next year, and that it’s going to be business as usual,” a parent of an Arizona State defender told the outlet. This wasn’t a one-time statement—Dillingham reportedly repeated the same message to players across different positions, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.
And this is the part most people miss: Dillingham’s decision comes at a time when his stock couldn’t be higher. At just 35, he’s already a rising star, fresh off leading the Sun Devils to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 after winning the Big 12 Championship. His ties to Arizona State run deep—he’s not only a Scottsdale native but also the program’s first alumnus to become head coach. Add to that his growing family, including a 3-year-old son and another child on the way, and it’s easy to see why staying put might be appealing.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the allure of coaching at a traditional SEC powerhouse like Auburn or LSU is undeniable. Auburn, where Dillingham served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2019 under Gus Malzahn, is fresh off parting ways with Hugh Freeze, whose tenure ended with a disappointing 15-19 record. Meanwhile, Florida, which fired Billy Napier midway through this season, has reportedly expressed interest in Dillingham, according to sources familiar with their search.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is Dillingham’s commitment to Arizona State a genuine long-term play, or is he simply biding his time until an even bigger opportunity arises? It’s a debate that’s sure to divide fans and analysts alike. After all, in the cutthroat world of college football coaching, loyalty is rare—but so is passing up a chance to lead a blue-blood program.
What do you think? Is Dillingham’s decision a smart move, or is he leaving money—and prestige—on the table? Let us know in the comments below!
