TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham stirred conversation online Sunday after posting, and later deleting, a message on X about “destination addiction.”
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dillingham, who is wrapping up his third season at ASU, has been linked to multiple head-coaching searches throughout the latter half of the season. While he has spoken candidly about where he plans to be in 2026, the post had fans talking.
“Beware of destination addiction: The idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job … Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are,” Dillingham posted.
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
However, it wasn’t the quote itself that caused the stir, but rather its timing alongside another major coaching development.
KENNY DILLINGHAM FROM THE TOP ROPE https://t.co/YkfCr8oBwo pic.twitter.com/BbSFtmcFf4
— Dan Burkett (@DanTalksSEC) November 30, 2025
Beautiful troll job by KD 😂
— Linus (@linus_ia) November 30, 2025
I hate ASU but can’t help but like Kenny.
— Thornton Throckmorton (@thorton_throck) December 1, 2025
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/EcxJVbcfkT
— College Sports Superfan (@eisner_ryan) November 30, 2025
The same quote was posted by former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who left the Rebels in the midst of a playoff run to become LSU’s next head coach.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham looks up at the scoreboard during a game against NAU at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The timing of the quote may have been a coincidence. Dillingham has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Arizona State several times and has repeatedly called the Valley his home.
If anything, the post further showcased his desire to stay at ASU and avoid further discussion of other national coaching vacancies rather than taking a jab at another head coach.
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
Whether intentional or not, Dillingham’s deleted post may have been an effort to tamp down distractions as the Sun Devils look to close the year with a bowl win.
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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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