TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham quieted rumors of a possible departure in a report earlier this week and on Friday offered more explanation about his decision to stay.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Over the past several weeks, Dillingham’s name had surfaced in head coach searches, particularly at Penn State and LSU. According to a report from Sun Devil Source’s Chris Karpman, the ASU coach told his players before facing Iowa State that he intends to remain with the program next season.
“I know the things that I want, I know my goals,” Dillingham said to Arizona Sports’ Dan Bickley and Vince Marotta. “I know what’s needed to achieve those things. Personally, professionally. So I don’t really worry about anything but our players.”
Aug 30, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham during the third quarter between Arizona State Sun Devils and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
In other words, he wants to continue building on the work he has done in the Valley over the past several years instead of starting over. However, it isn’t just his players who motivate him to stay.
“My next-door neighbor is my sister,” said the ASU head coach. “My parents live three doors down. My wife’s parents were five doors down. My wife is competitive of a person as you’ll ever see. She’s a person who wants [to] win national championships.”
Dillingham also has deep ties to the state. He played at Chaparral High School before beginning his coaching career there. The Sun Devils head coach attended Arizona State and graduated in 2013.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
In his three years with ASU, Dillingham has helped lead the program to a Big 12 championship in 2024, their first year in the conference. Now, they look to defend their title while battling through key injuries.
The online speculation cast a heavy cloud of uncertainty, as both Penn State and LSU are capable of offering Dillingham a lucrative contract. Yet Dillingham’s loyalty and belief in Arizona State’s program, as well as the relationships in his life, underscore his desire to maintain stability and continue its growth.
Why did Kenny Dillingham tell his players last week that he’s returning to Arizona State in 2026?
The ASU head coach told @Bickley_Marotta that his priorities are all about his family in the Phoenix area and his current and former players.
Full interview:… pic.twitter.com/pMtG676Hbc
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) November 7, 2025
Dillingham’s decision to stay sends a strong message about his desire to elevate something he has spent years building while remaining close to his roots.
“I think, for me, I just kind of keep my head down,” Dillingham said.”Try to do the best job I can for our players because that’s what this is all about.”
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Arizona State’s Dillingham puts head coach search speculation to rest
