Kenny Dillingham has quickly become one of the most exciting figures in college football, particularly as the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils. Born on April 28, 1990, in Phoenix, Arizona, Dillingham’s journey into the world of coaching is as unique as his coaching style. His passion for football and relentless drive to improve have helped him turn Arizona State’s football program around, taking it to new heights after some challenging seasons.
Since becoming the head coach of the Sun Devils, Dillingham has not only gained recognition for his leadership but also for his ability to develop quarterbacks and shape the team’s overall offensive strategies. His energy, enthusiasm, and expertise have set him apart from other coaches in the NCAA, earning him both respect and admiration.
Key Takeaways
- Kenny Dillingham is the head coach of Arizona State University’s football team, known for his energetic coaching style.
- Dillingham has a remarkable ability to develop quarterbacks and improve team performance.
- He signed a five-year contract extension in 2025, following a successful season with a Big 12 championship.
- His background as a young coach and his quick rise to prominence make him a key figure in college football.
- At just 34 years old, Dillingham is one of the youngest head coaches in NCAA football.
Kenny Dillingham’s Early Life and Career
Kenny Dillingham’s roots are deeply embedded in Arizona, where he grew up. Born and raised in Phoenix, Dillingham had a strong connection to sports from a young age. However, his playing career was cut short due to an ACL injury. Despite this setback, Dillingham’s passion for football never waned. At the age of 17, he began his coaching journey, recognizing that his true calling was to mentor and lead players on the field rather than play himself.
Dillingham’s early coaching career started at high school, and he quickly worked his way up. Over the years, he held several assistant coaching roles at prominent institutions such as Oregon, Florida State, and Auburn. His work as an offensive coordinator at these universities helped hone his skills, particularly in developing quarterbacks and creating dynamic offensive plays.
Kenny Dillingham’s Success at Arizona State
Dillingham took over as the head coach of Arizona State in 2023, inheriting a team that had underperformed in recent years. Despite challenges, he brought an energy and determination that sparked a dramatic improvement. In his first season, Dillingham led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship, exceeding expectations and proving that his coaching abilities were more than just promising—they were game-changing.
His approach to coaching focuses heavily on player development, team cohesion, and an aggressive offensive style. Under his guidance, Arizona State’s performance has been significantly elevated, moving from one of the lower-ranked teams to a competitive force in the NCAA.
Kenny Dillingham’s Contract and Salary
In January 2025, Dillingham secured a five-year contract extension with Arizona State, which solidified his future with the program. This contract is a recognition of his achievements, including the Big 12 championship win and the overall turnaround of the football program. While the full details of the extension have not been made public, it is expected that his salary will increase significantly, placing him among the higher-paid coaches in college football.
Before the extension, Dillingham’s base salary was around $3.9 million per year, and the new contract is expected to offer substantial bonuses tied to his success on the field.
Kenny Dillingham’s Post-Game Comments and Coaching Style
After games, Kenny Dillingham is known for his candid and positive post-game reflections. Whether the team wins or loses, Dillingham uses these moments to focus on areas for improvement while maintaining an upbeat and motivating atmosphere. His post-game interviews often highlight the importance of growth, both as players and as individuals, making him a coach who truly cares about his team’s long-term development.
His coaching style has earned him praise for being both energetic and strategic. He is particularly well-known for his ability to communicate complex strategies in a way that players can easily understand. This has made him one of the more respected coaches in college football.
Kenny Dillingham’s Personal Life – Family and Background
Although much of the attention surrounding Kenny Dillingham revolves around his career, his personal life is less discussed. He was born to John Dillingham, who was involved in local sports and community activities in Phoenix, and while there is limited public information about his family, Dillingham’s upbringing in Arizona certainly shaped his values and work ethic.
Details about Dillingham’s wife or personal relationships remain mostly private, as he tends to keep his family life out of the media spotlight. However, it is clear that his family background and early life in Arizona played a significant role in his development as a coach.
Kenny Dillingham’s Future in College Football
As of January 2025, Kenny Dillingham is just 34 years old, making him one of the youngest head coaches in college football. His rise to prominence in such a short period has been impressive, and many believe that he has a long and successful career ahead of him. With his recent contract extension and growing reputation as a football mastermind, Dillingham is set to continue making waves in the world of college football for years to come.
Summary of Kenny Dillingham’s Key Information
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kenny Dillingham |
| Born | April 28, 1990, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Head Coach of | Arizona State Sun Devils |
| Notable Achievement | Led ASU to a Big 12 Championship |
| Contract Extension | Signed a five-year extension in 2025 |
| Salary | $3.9 million annually (pre-extension) |
| Coaching Style | Offensive-minded with a focus on player development |
| Known For | Developing quarterbacks and turning around struggling programs |
| Family Background | Raised in Phoenix, Arizona |
FAQ
When was Kenny Dillingham born?
Kenny Dillingham was born on April 28, 1990, in Phoenix, Arizona.
How old is Kenny Dillingham?
Kenny Dillingham is currently 34 years old as of January 2025.
What is Kenny Dillingham’s coaching record?
As of January 2025, Kenny Dillingham’s coaching record includes leading Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship and a remarkable turnaround from a season with only three wins.
What is Kenny Dillingham’s salary?
Before his contract extension, Kenny Dillingham’s salary was reported to be around $3.9 million per year. His new contract is expected to increase this figure substantially.
Does Kenny Dillingham have a wife?
There is limited public information about Kenny Dillingham’s personal life, including details about his wife or family.
What was the major turning point in Kenny Dillingham’s coaching career?
Kenny Dillingham’s major turning point came when he was hired as head coach of Arizona State in 2023. He quickly turned the program around, leading them to a Big 12 championship in his first season.
What makes Kenny Dillingham stand out as a coach?
Kenny Dillingham is known for his high-energy coaching style, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his knack for turning struggling teams into competitive forces. His post-game reflections and focus on player growth also set him apart.