Skip to main content
Join Now
Get a profile. Be recruited.

Kenny Dillingham reveals conversations with Arizona State players amid being linked to open jobs: 'They know the situation'

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh2 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
2025 Kenny Game Face
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

As big-time openings pop up, college football coaches across the country are addressing rumors. Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State is no different. Dillingham is turning into a wanted man after getting things on the right track in Tempe.

Some might decide to address the elephant in the room within with locker room. Dillingham went a different route, though, as he believes Arizona State players know where he stands. Family surrounds Dillingham in a place he is originally from, making the future quite obvious in his eyes.

“The guys know what I’m about,” Dillingham said via See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack. “Our guys know I’m born and raised here. My next-door neighbor is my sister, she has three kids. My little son, who is three and a half, hangs out with his cousins every single day. I just left dinner with my parents, who are three doors down from me. Our players know the dynamic and the situation I have here is special. I’ve recruited all these guys here, they know the situation. So, some things are better left unsaid.”

At the very least, it’s easy to see why Dillingham has the attention of others out there. After going 3-9 during his first season, Dillingham quickly turned Arizona State into a College Football Playoff team by winning the Big 12. The Sun Devils almost advanced as well, barely losing to Texas in overtime.

This year likely does not see them reach the same heights of making the 12-team field. However, the opportunity to win double-digit games remains — something Arizona State has done four times this century. Dillingham continues to find ways to win.

As for which schools might be after Dillingham, three stick out. All of them reside in the SEC, as Auburn, Florida, and LSU have all made midseason firings. In an era where quick rebuilds are coveted, Dillingham instantly comes to mind. While none of those might be willing to sit through a 3-9 campaign, making the CFP sure does sound good.

Dillingham gets a home game on Saturday, welcoming the West Virginia Mountaineers to town. Colorado and Arizona remain on the schedule before getting a bowl game. From there, the coaching carousel begins to spin. Based on his words, Dillingham is not going to hop on the ride. We can expect him on the ASU sideline for the 2026 season opener vs. Morgan State on Sept. 5.