The head coach for Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham, will continue his tenure with the Sun Devils football program.
Dillingham has reached an agreement for a contract renewal following the completion of his third year leading the team, as confirmed by the university on Saturday. The 35-year-old Dillingham had been identified as a prominent candidate for the vacant head coaching role at Michigan, subsequent to the dismissal of Sherrone Moore.
Arizona State achieved an 8-4 record in the 2025 season, despite quarterback Sam Leavitt being absent for a total of five contests. Leavitt, who has the option to enter the transfer portal in January, participated in only seven games after he emerged as one of the standout players in the Big 12 during 2024.
The previous year, the Sun Devils earned a spot in the College Football Playoff after securing the Big 12 championship. ASU finished with an 11-3 record and was defeated by Texas in the Peach Bowl, a game where Leavitt threw for over 2,800 yards and Cam Skattebo — who ranked fifth in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting — accumulated more than 1,700 rushing yards.
As an alumnus of ASU, Dillingham orchestrated an improvement of eight victories for the team in his sophomore season. Arizona State had not managed to secure 11 wins in a single season since 1996, when Jake Plummer guided the Sun Devils to the Rose Bowl appearance.
Prior to his appointment at Arizona State, Dillingham served as an offensive coordinator for Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon. His background in developing offenses made him an attractive prospect for numerous Michigan supporters, especially considering the presence of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. This Michigan native commenced his collegiate career as a freshman in 2025, having chosen the Wolverines over LSU.
With Dillingham’s renewed agreement, it seems Michigan will need to broaden its search for a new head coach. Kalen DeBoer, the coach of Alabama, had also been cited as a potential target; however, DeBoer has publicly declared his intention to remain with his current team, and Alabama secured a 34-24 victory against Oklahoma on Friday night in the College Football Playoff, thereby advancing to the Rose Bowl.
Michigan is actively seeking a new coach after the dismissal of Moore with cause last week. Moore’s termination occurred following evidence indicating an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and he was subsequently arrested mere hours later for allegedly visiting the staffer’s residence post-firing. Moore is facing charges of felony home invasion and two misdemeanors, with a court appearance scheduled for January.
Moore held the position of Michigan’s offensive coordinator before taking over from Jim Harbaugh before the 2024 season. After the Wolverines claimed the national championship in 2023, the team achieved 17 wins during Moore’s tenure.
