TEMPE — Arizona State University’s football team are in the midst of preparation for the upcoming season, hoping to continue to build success from last year under ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dillingham has turned the program upside down in his second year as coach at ASU, leading the team to a Big 12 Championship in their first year in the conference. Was hiring someone with local ties the key to unlocking the program’s potential?
Change Needed In Tempe
Sep 17, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head football coach Herm Edwards stands on the sidelines as his team faces the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. © Alex Gould/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Before Dillingham, the Sun Devils hired football legend Herm Edwards as head coach in 2017. Edwards brought high expectations for the program among fans. However, Edwards would only spend five seasons with the team before being fired in three games into the 2022 season.
During Edward’s time with Arizona State, the team went 26-20 and made it to three bowl appearances, losing two.
The team needed a new voice and leader. Dillingham was up next.
Local Hero
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Born and raised in Arizona, Dillingham went to Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and eventually attended ASU. After graduation, the head coach went on to coach four other schools before being hired by Arizona State in 2022.
Dillingham’s infectious energy was felt throughout the program. He became a fan favorite, with ASU selling out games as the team went on an undefeated home streak in 2024. It was clear that Dillingham’s leadership wasn’t only bringing the team together, but also throughout the Arizona State community.
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) jumps into the arms of head coach Kenny Dillingham after the Sun Devils upset No. 16 Utah Utes 27-19 at Mountain America Stadium. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a video uploaded by FOX10’s Blake Niemann on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 2, fans express their love for Dillingham’s passion even after a long day of training.
.@KennyDillingham energy is so intense the lights even went out🤣
That type of energy is contagious and is why @ASUFootball has daaawggs. https://t.co/7FUWL5ohqj
— Carlos Castillo (@C_Castillo79) August 3, 2025
Kenny is that dude!!! https://t.co/IjKrG0pBqG
— StateFortyEight (@StateFortyEight) August 3, 2025
special coach, this needs to be the guy at the helm for the next decade + https://t.co/JZPgtAZWFG
— NativeAzSportsShow (@AZSportsShow) August 3, 2025
Dillingham now enters his third year as head coach with the Sun Devils and fans are excited to see what comes next.
Starting The Season
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates with Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham with the Big 12 Championship trophy after the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Arizona State’s first game of the season is at home Saturday, Aug. 30, against Northern Arizona.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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