TEMPE — After weeks of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the head coaching position, Arizona State has put an end to the questions.
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Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham speaks to the media during a news conference at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 20, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kenny Dillingham has signed a new contract with ASU, agreeing to a five-year deal that will average approximately $7.5 million per year. The agreement also increases the football staff salary pool to around $11 million, strengthening the program’s ability to retain top coaches and remain competitive in the college football landscape.
The extension also silences talk of Dillingham leaving the Valley to potentially take the helm at Michigan, which has also been seeking stability at the position. Reports and online speculation had linked Dillingham to the opening, but the new deal makes clear he plans to stay in Tempe.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham celebrates win with defensive back Myles Rowser (4) against TCU Horned Frogs at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
The decision resonated across the Valley as the news emerged. An Arizona native and Arizona State alumnus, Dillingham has long been viewed by fans as a coach deeply connected to the program and the community. Many supporters hoped the university would provide the resources necessary to keep him in Tempe, including public calls for Arizona State leadership.
Now, fans appear relieved as the university has shown confidence in what is being built under Dillingham’s leadership.
IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A SUN DEVIL!!!! 🔱🆙 #SunDevil4LIFE https://t.co/tKFIQXF3cn
— Dominic Cariel (@DomCariel) December 20, 2025
I am equally activated and ignited https://t.co/oSTrETAlVM
— Kevin Murphy (@somuchsilence) December 20, 2025
I’m glad ASU and Kenny Dillingham were able to reach a new deal. After the Sun Devils won the Big 12 in 2024 and sold out every home game in 2025, Dillingham’s value in Tempe was obvious.
And you know what, credit to Michael Crow for seeing the vision here.
Go Devils!! #ForksUp https://t.co/ITMcZC2evL
— Mark Harris (@Harris_Mark7) December 20, 2025
Beyond the dollars, the extension reflects what Arizona State means to Dillingham on a personal level. He has spoken publicly about his connection to the school and the state, frequently referring to ASU as “home.”
“I love this place,” Dillingham said Dec. 13 during a team practice, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, as he held back tears.
With the uncertainty resolved, the Sun Devils now turn their focus back to the field. Arizona State will look to add one more win to its season when it faces Duke in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31 in New Mexico.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on from the sideline against TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
As the team prepares for its New Year’s Eve bowl game, the message is clear: Dillingham’s commitment to Arizona State remains firm and the Valley will continue to be home for the foreseeable future.
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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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