In a stunning turn of events, the Arizona Board of Regents has approved a massive new contract for Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham, rewarding him for orchestrating one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent college football history. Just two years after taking over a struggling Sun Devils program at the age of 33, Dillingham has secured a extension through 2029 that will pay him $5.8 million annually, with $100,000 raises each year and lucrative performance bonuses.
From Unheralded Hire to Playoff Contender
When Arizona State tabbed Dillingham, then the youngest head coach in the FBS, to resurrect its moribund program in 2023, few expected immediate results. The Sun Devils were coming off a dismal three-win campaign and facing the cloud of an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations under previous coach Herm Edwards. Most pegged ASU to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 in its first year in the conference.
But Dillingham, with his infectious enthusiasm and shrewd personnel moves, completely flipped the script. He brought in impact transfers like quarterback Sam Leavitt to bolster the roster. He unlocked the full potential of electric running back Cam Skattebo, who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. And he forged a tight-knit team culture that powered the Sun Devils to six straight wins to close the regular season, a Big 12 title, and a historic berth in the College Football Playoff.
A New Day in the Desert
While their magical run ultimately ended with a double-overtime loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl, Arizona State’s 10-win season signaled the program’s arrival as a national force. And in rewarding Dillingham so handsomely, the school made clear its commitment to stability and its faith that the 34-year-old wunderkind is the man to make the Sun Devils a perennial contender.
“Kenny has energized our program and our fan base in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” ASU athletic director Rick Harrison said. “His leadership, strategic vision, and ability to develop players and coaches are truly special. We’re thrilled to have him in Tempe for the long haul.”
The Dillingham Difference
So what fueled Arizona State’s abrupt about-face under its precocious head coach? Observers point to several key factors:
- Recruiting and development acumen: Dillingham quickly proved to be an adept talent evaluator, bringing in high-upside prospects and transfers who fit his scheme. He also showed a knack for player development, helping previously unheralded recruits blossom into stars.
- Innovative offensive approach: As a former offensive coordinator, Dillingham brought creativity and multiplicity to the Sun Devil attack. His balanced, uptempo system kept defenses on their heels and turned Skattebo into one of the nation’s most explosive playmakers.
- Authentic leadership style: Players have raved about Dillingham’s ability to form genuine connections, to motivate without berating, to keep it real. His energy proved infectious, his confidence unshakable even through early struggles.
Staying Power in the Spotlight?
Of course, college football history is littered with flash-in-the-pan success stories, with teams and coaches who couldn’t sustain an initial burst of prosperity. The pressure will be on Dillingham to prove that 2024 was no fluke, that Arizona State’s return to relevance is here to stay. With massive expectations and a hefty salary come even greater scrutiny.
But if Dillingham is feeling the heat, he certainly didn’t show it in his comments after the new contract was approved. Ever exuberant, he gushed about the opportunity ahead and reiterated his commitment to the long-term project in Tempe.
“I’m living my dream right now,” Dillingham said. “To coach at the school I grew up watching, to have the chance to build something special – it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. This is just the beginning for Sun Devil football. I truly believe our best days are ahead.”
ASU fans can only hope their charismatic young leader is right. Because after wandering in the wilderness for so many years, after so many unfounded hopes and unfulfilled promises, the Sun Devils faithful are ready to bask in the glow of sustained success. With Kenny Dillingham at the controls for the foreseeable future, they just might get that chance.
