Kenny Dillingham on being tied to Michigan head-coaching vacancy: 'That's cool, I guess'

Michigan Wolverines football is seeking a replacement for former head coach Sherrone Moore as the legendary program’s 22nd leader, and Arizona State head man Kenny Dillingham is under consideration.

Meeting with the media after practice Saturday as his Sun Devils prepare to face Duke in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl, Dillingham said he hasn’t had any conversations with Michigan regarding the opening. However, he didn’t indicate whether or not anyone on his behalf has talked with brass at U-M.

Dillingham is flattered to be named as a person to watch for the job.

“Yeah, I mean, I think that’s cool, I guess,” Dillingham said. “That’s one of the best programs in the country. That’s one of the best logos in the country. I think everybody can agree there. In today’s era, I think it’s one of the best jobs in the country, and I think everybody can attest to that.”

But the 35-year-old Dillingham is a native of the Phoenix and attended Arizona State, so being there is personal to him.

“That doesn’t change that my sister’s my neighbor,” Dillingham continued. “That doesn’t change that my parents live three doors down. That doesn’t change that my son’s best friend is my sister’s daughter. So, none of that changes.

“But it is one of the best jobs in America. It’s an unbelievable brand, an iconic brand and it’s a great opportunity for somebody.”

Dillingham has left Arizona State in the past, when the moment was right. While he was offered a promotion from offensive assistant to graduate assistant — which affords an opportunity to coach on the field — ahead of the 2016 season, he chose to leave for a GA job at Memphis under then-new head coach Mike Norvell, despite his wife, Briana, being in medical school in Tempe at that time.

Still, it’s an emotional place for Dillingham, who took a moment and teared up when asked why he has stayed loyal to ASU.

“I mean, I love this place,” Dillingham said, before taking a pause for 31 seconds while looking down and gathering himself. “Was that a long enough pause? But, this place is just a special place to me.”

There have been reports that Dilingham is “close” to signing a contract extension with Arizona State, but no official announcement or word that it’s done. Until then, speculation will continue that Michigan could potentially land him.

“I know they sent my agent [a contract extension offer] after the last game, at some point,” Dillingham said. “That was the week that I had about a billion-and-a-half meetings, so I’m not really involved in that. That’s my team. I coach football.”

Dillingham was asked if he has everything he needs to win in Tempe.

“That’s not a possible question [to answer], because that changes every day,” the Arizona State head coach responded. “We could have everything we need today, and be $10 million short tomorrow. That’s the nature of this era, because everybody’s not going to keep up with the Joneses.

“There are people that want to be at the peak. Not everybody wants to just have what everybody has. There are programs and people out there that want more, and they want to do more than everybody. So, when one person responds, 15 people respond equally, at a greater rate.

“So, ask me that question, do I think the buy-in from the university, are they trying to win, are they trying to do this? This is just a crazy era of college football, but it’s not anybody’s fault at the era we’re in. But, I will say, I think the university is fighting, scratching and clawing to stay not just competitive but try to stay a program that can compete for championships. And that’s always something that I’m striving for.”

The Sun Devils are 8-4 heading into the bowl game. Dillingham led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff in 2024, falling to Texas in double-overtime, after winning the Big 12 championship. Prior to his current tenure at ASU that began in 2023, Dillingham was the offensive coordinator at Memphis (2018), Auburn (2019), Florida State (2020-21) and Oregon (2022).