TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has been linked to online speculation about whether Penn State will target him as its next head coach.
The Nittany Lions recently fired longtime coach James Franklin over the weekend, with fans and analysts figuring out who could replace the former coach next season. Given the way he has turned around ASU’s program over the past two years, Dillingham has become a favorite for the role.
My personal rankings on who I want to be the next HC. Realistic options
1. Cignetti
2. Will Stein
3. Matt Campbell
4. Kenny Dillingham
5. Matt RhuleFor the love of god pls stop saying Urban Meyer
— ChicoHendrxEnthusiast (@ChicoEnthusiast) October 13, 2025
Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State HC
This one’s a personal favorite of mine. Dillingham is young at 35, a bright offensive mind, and has already led a rebuild of ASU to a CFP appearance. He is an ASU alum, but this would be an obvious step up for him. The big issue is that he…
— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) October 13, 2025
Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State HC
This one’s a personal favorite of mine. Dillingham is young at 35, a bright offensive mind, and has already led a rebuild of ASU to a CFP appearance. He is an ASU alum, but this would be an obvious step up for him. The big issue is that he…
— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) October 13, 2025
The speculation comes at an interesting time for Arizona State.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with head coach Kenny Dillingham after their win against TCU Horned Frogs at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
Dillingham, 35, accomplished what few have. In his second year with the Sun Devils in 2024, he led the team to a Big 12 championship and helped rejuvenate a fan base eager for improvement after several disappointing seasons.
With his energy, innovation, leadership and honesty (what he’s primarily known for), Dillingham has become a fan favorite in the Valley. Losing him would hit home for fans who bought into his vision and saw it produce results.
ASU has spent the past several years searching for consistency after going through multiple coaches who didn’t work out. Dillingham’s Arizona roots and authenticity have helped the program flourish.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on against TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
As the defending Big 12 Champions, all eyes are on the Sun Devils as they continue to build on that success. Dillingham is essentially the face of this new era of ASU Football, and losing him would be a blow to the momentum the team has been slowly building since his arrival.
However, Penn State has the resources, stature and urgency to make Dillingham a strong offer as it looks to begin its own new era. As of now, these are just speculations and online chat.
While it’s uncertain if Penn State will contact the Sun Devils head coach for the position, it’s clear Dillingham’s vision and execution haven’t been forgotten. His name surfacing in these conversations shows his value as a head coach to a program that needed a lift.
Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks around after a game against Texas State Bobcats at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Putting rumors to the side, the Sun Devils look to their next challenge as they face No. 7 Texas Tech on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Dillingham rallies fans for Arizona State’s next test against No. 7 Texas Tech
