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Arizona State Secures Dillingham with $7.5 Million Extension, Boosts Football Program Resources
Kenny Dillingham has committed his future to Arizona State University after signing a five-year contract extension that significantly increases both his compensation and the resources available to his coaching staff. The deal, announced Saturday, will raise the 35-year-old coach’s annual salary to an average of $7.5 million and allocate $11 million to his assistant coaches—one of the highest staff salary pools in the Big 12 Conference.
“The support of this season has stepped up a ton. Our university stepped up,” Dillingham told reporters following Saturday’s practice. “What I was fighting for was that long-term commitment to our staff, to our program, to the commitment to try be competitive in this crazy world of college football.”
Dillingham’s name had circulated prominently in coaching rumors over recent weeks, with speculation linking him to several high-profile vacancies. He candidly acknowledged leveraging interest from Michigan following Sherrone Moore’s dismissal to secure additional support for the Sun Devils program.
“This was always the goal; secure generational leadership right here at ASU,” said Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini in a statement. “We have the right coach and want him to have the tools to do his job in a way that keeps building excitement, connection and winning at ASU. Not only is the Valley activated, but the Sun Devils are about to ignite!”
The investment represents Arizona State’s commitment to maintaining momentum in a rapidly changing college football landscape dominated by conference realignments, NIL considerations, and increasing competitive demands.
Since arriving in Tempe, Dillingham has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Sun Devils. After becoming the youngest head coach in FBS history when hired at age 32, the former Oregon offensive coordinator and ASU alum endured an injury-plagued first season before leading the program to its first conference championship since 1996. That achievement, coupled with Arizona State’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, had previously earned him a five-year extension worth $5.8 million in the first year.
Despite facing another wave of significant injuries this season—most notably to quarterback Sam Leavitt and All-American wide receiver Jordyn Tyson—Dillingham’s squad remained competitive in the Big 12 race until late in the regular season. The Sun Devils finished with an impressive 8-4 record and will face Duke in the Sun Bowl on December 31.
The program’s resurgence under Dillingham has electrified the fan base, resulting in sold-out home games throughout the 2023 season. This renewed enthusiasm has strengthened the university’s commitment to investing in football infrastructure and personnel.
“Our staff wins. I’ve said this over and over,” Dillingham emphasized. “Them and our players are what have got us to this point. They’re a vital piece and I think they deserve to be taken care of.”
The extension comes at a critical time for Arizona State as it establishes itself in the expanded Big 12 Conference. With the increased assistant coach salary pool, Dillingham will have greater flexibility to retain top coaching talent and compete with other major programs in assembling an elite staff.
Industry analysts note that Dillingham’s new compensation package places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football, reflecting both his early success and Arizona State’s determination to become a consistent national contender. The $11 million assistant salary pool particularly stands out as a strategic investment that acknowledges the increasingly competitive market for coaching talent.
For Arizona State, the agreement represents more than just retaining a promising young coach—it signals the university’s ambition to position itself as a long-term power in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
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9 Comments
This is an interesting move by ASU in the shifting college football landscape. Locking down a rising star like Dillingham, even at a premium, shows their ambition to be a player in the Big 12. It’ll be fascinating to see if the investment pays off on the field.
Great point. With the Big 12 move, ASU is clearly signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. Dillingham’s extension is a statement of intent, and the resources to back it up will be critical.
Impressive extension for Coach Dillingham. Locking down young, innovative coaches is key for Arizona State to compete in the Big 12. The increased resources for his staff should really help develop talent and build a strong program.
Agreed, this is a big win for ASU. Investing in the coaching staff is crucial for long-term success. Dillingham has shown real potential, so it’s smart to keep him on board.
This is a big bet by ASU, but it could pay huge dividends if Dillingham is able to elevate the program. The Big 12 move raises the stakes, so locking down a talented young coach like this is a savvy strategic play. Now the pressure is on to produce results on the field.
Absolutely. ASU is clearly going all-in to be competitive in the Big 12. Dillingham’s extension and the increased resources show their ambition, but he’ll need to translate that into wins and sustained success. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move for the university.
Curious to see how Dillingham leverages this deal to take ASU’s football program to the next level. $7.5M per year is a big commitment, but if he can produce results on the field, it could pay off handsomely for the university.
Absolutely, the pressure will be on Dillingham to deliver. With the improved resources, he’ll need to translate that into wins and bowl appearances for ASU. It’s a big gamble, but could be a game-changer if it works out.
While $7.5M per year is a lot for a young coach, I can understand ASU’s rationale. Dillingham has shown a lot of promise, and keeping him long-term is crucial for program stability and development. The increased staff budget is also a smart move to build depth and continuity.