Kenny Dillingham will not be the next head coach for Michigan football.
According to reports on Saturday, Dec. 20, Dillingham had agreed to an extension with Arizona State to remain the head coach for the Sun Devils. Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, there are incentives to extend the deal up to 10 years, with Dillingham expected to average an annual salary of $7.5 million over the course of the deal.
In addition to the pay raise, Dillingham will have a staff salary pool of $11 million, which is expected to be one of the highest in the Big 12.
Dillingham, 35, has led the Sun Devils to a 22-16 record in his three seasons as the head coach. Arizona State is scheduled to play in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31 vs. Duke. Last season, the Sun Devils were a College Football Playoff team after winning the Big 12.
ASU posted an 11-3 record in 2024 after going 3-9 in Dillingham’s first season as the head coach in 2023. The Sun Devils went 8-4 in 2025 despite being without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt for five games this season.
Since Michigan fired Sherrone Moore for cause on Dec. 10, Dillingham’s name has been closely tied to the Wolverines’ opening. However, Dillingham’s ties to Arizona State and a financial commitment proved to be enough to help keep the ASU alum in Tempe, Arizona.
‘I love this place, I mean,’ Dillingham said on Dec. 13, before a full 30 seconds of silence as he gathered his emotions and thoughts. ‘Was that a long enough pause?
‘This place is just — it’s a special place to me.’
Kenny Dillingham age
Dillingham was born on April 28, 1990, in Phoenix. He is currently 35. Dillingham graduated from Arizona State in 2013.
Kenny Dillingham record
Dillingham has been a head coach for three seasons, with all three coming at his alma mater. Before landing his dream job, Dillingham had stops at Arizona State, Memphis, Auburn and Florida State as an assistant coach.
Here’s a look at his coaching record:
- 2023: 3-9, 2-7 Pac-12
- 2024: 11-3, 7-2 Big 12
- 2025: 8-4, 6-3 Big 12
- Career: 22-19
