SCOTTSDALE – Arizona State Football head coach Kenny Dillingham doesn’t just represent Arizona: he is Arizona. Born and raised in Phoenix, the Valley is who he is.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Phoenix native rescued ASU’s program from self-imposed catastrophe in his second season as coach, bringing the Sun Devils to prominence as one of the best teams in college football.
Dillingham’s success isn’t just because he knows football — it’s because he knows The Valley.
A proud graduate of Chaparral High School and Arizona State, Dillingham has the Valley in his veins. With his mantra, “Activate The Valley,” he’s rallied ASU fans and supporters, and he’s returning the love by staying active in the community.
One such occasion was during the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction. Among car enthusiasts and bidders, Dillingham made an appearance, adding to the excitement of the event. The highlight was during his brief talk with the audience, where he was met with enthusiastic cheers from Sun Devil fans.
What a great event that @Barrett_Jackson and CEO Craig Jackson put on!! #ActivateTheValley https://t.co/0f9dkxgFQG
— Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) January 26, 2025
Arizona State’s man in charge made his way to one of Arizona’s biggest events on the second to last day of the weeklong festivities.
Dillingham spoke briefly with the Barrett-Jackson audience, and the attendees were clearly Sun Devil fans.
“Reception to Coach walking auction was a flavor of what must be like when Bono strolls Dublin,” Rose+Allyn Public & Online Relations president Jason Rose said via X.
The head coach has been making his rounds around The Valley this weekend. Dillingham attended Arizona State Men’s Basketball’s 76-61 loss to Iowa State Saturday with a handful of his players.
Jan 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head football coach Kenny Dillingham and football players attend the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Desert Financial Arena./Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
It was always going to take more than showing up on Saturdays to “Activate The Valley.” The essence of the dessert must be known and displayed by those who claim the crown.
Dillingham is known around The Valley; he is seen around The Valley; and he’s most definitely heard around The Valley.
If the Barrett-Jackson roars of applause told you nothing else, Kenny Dillingham is king of The Valley.
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Reporter Jordyn Bennett covers the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State, Phoenix area sports and sports related topics. You can follow him on his X account, @j_bennett_live
