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Dillingham’s local roots could be key for ASU’s continued success

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Wendy Lopez | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 8:21 AM ET

TEMPE — Arizona State University’s football team are in the midst of preparation for the upcoming season, hoping to continue to build success from last year under ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Dillingham has turned the program upside down in his second year as coach at ASU, leading the team to a Big 12 Championship in their first year in the conference. Was hiring someone with local ties the key to unlocking the program’s potential?

Change Needed In Tempe

Before Dillingham, the Sun Devils hired football legend Herm Edwards as head coach in 2017. Edwards brought high expectations for the program among fans. However, Edwards would only spend five seasons with the team before being fired in three games into the 2022 season.

During Edward’s time with Arizona State, the team went 26-20 and made it to three bowl appearances, losing two.

The team needed a new voice and leader. Dillingham was up next.

Local Hero

Born and raised in Arizona, Dillingham went to Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and eventually attended ASU. After graduation, the head coach went on to coach four other schools before being hired by Arizona State in 2022.

Dillingham’s infectious energy was felt throughout the program. He became a fan favorite, with ASU selling out games as the team went on an undefeated home streak in 2024. It was clear that Dillingham’s leadership wasn’t only bringing the team together, but also throughout the Arizona State community.

In a video uploaded by FOX10’s Blake Niemann on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 2, fans express their love for Dillingham’s passion even after a long day of training.

.@KennyDillingham energy is so intense the lights even went out

That type of energy is contagious and is why @ASUFootball has daaawggs. https://t.co/7FUWL5ohqj

— Carlos Castillo (@C_Castillo79) August 3, 2025

Kenny is that dude!!! https://t.co/IjKrG0pBqG

— StateFortyEight (@StateFortyEight) August 3, 2025

special coach, this needs to be the guy at the helm for the next decade + https://t.co/JZPgtAZWFG

— NativeAzSportsShow (@AZSportsShow) August 3, 2025

Dillingham now enters his third year as head coach with the Sun Devils and fans are excited to see what comes next.

Starting The Season

Arizona State’s first game of the season is at home Saturday, Aug. 30, against Northern Arizona.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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