Kenny Dillingham comments on being linked to Michigan head coaching job
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Kenny Dillingham has worked wonders at Arizona State.
After taking the reins at his alma mater, a program beset by recruiting violations under Herm Edwards, Dillingham went 3-9 in 2023. In 2024, the Sun Devils were 11-3, won the Big 12 Tournament, and were in the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. Despite an 8-4 mark in 2025, Dillingham has led a remarkable turnaround.
The 35-year-old has repeatedly said that he is happy in Tempe. He attended high school about a half-hour north of Mountain America Stadium. But that hasn’t stopped speculation linking him to other jobs.
That includes Michigan, which fired Sherrone Moore on Wednesday.
Dillingham was asked about those links on Saturday. While conceding that it was “cool” to be linked to a program that he called “one of the best jobs in the country,” his voice broke while talking about his ties to the area in which he was born and raised.
“That doesn’t change how I feel about here,” he said, per video from PHNX Sports. “That doesn’t change that my sister’s my neighbor. That doesn’t change that my parents live three doors down. That doesn’t change that my son’s best friend is my sister’s daughter. So, none of that changes, but it is one of the best jobs in America. It’s an unbelievable brand, iconic brand, and it’s a great opportunity for somebody. “
In fact, per Yahoo Sports’ Chris Karpman, Dillingham hasn’t discussed the Michigan job with school officials.
“I love this place,” he said, while taking a long pause to gather his emotions. “It’s a special place to me.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
