TEMPE — Right when it seemed Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham had moved out of consideration in this season’s head coach searches, his name has resurfaced once again.
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Nov 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore on the sidelines against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was fired after being arrested on Dec. 10, leaving the Wolverines searching for a new leader heading into 2026.
Dillingham’s rise at ASU has already drawn interest from programs nationwide, attracted not only by his youth but also by his candid approach. According to CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford, the Sun Devils’ coach is among the early leads to replace Moore.
However, Dillingham has repeatedly said he intends to remain in the Valley next season.
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham stands on the sidelines during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
“I was never leaving,” he said after the Sun Devils’ win over West Virginia on Nov. 15, according to Arizona Sports’ Damon Allred. “I never said I was leaving. This is home.”
Losing Dillingham would no doubt cost Arizona State one of its most significant program architects. In his tenure, the Sun Devils have climbed from a 3-9 season to a Big 12 title in just one year. Despite being unable to defend the championship in 2025, they stayed above .500 through major injuries and several underperformances.
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham addresses the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Arizona State is already in the midst of significant program changes, with several key players, including Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson, parting ways with the Sun Devils after the season. With many of the team’s standout contributors turning the page on their time in the Valley, Dillingham’s departure could reshape the landscape even further.
Michigan needs new energy in the building. That new juice is Kenny Dillingham.https://t.co/Mgv6xxxCtM pic.twitter.com/FDArStEo9x
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) December 11, 2025
Michigan’s vacancy will continue to draw national attention, especially if the program seeks a younger coach with a modern approach.
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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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