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Kenny Dillingham’s extension makes Arizona State’s future bright

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Stephen Smith | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 12:52 PM ET

Kenny Dillingham’s name is no longer in the conversation for the Michigan job.

The administration at Arizona State did right by its homegrown talent at head coach. Dillingham got the answer he wanted — especially with him getting a new, five-year contract extension. He will make nearly $7.5 million throughout the course of the deal, while the salary pool of his staff increases to $11 million. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the news on Saturday as the salary pool number ranks atop the Big 12. Dillingham, a Phoenix (Ariz.) native, has been adamant about remaining with the Sun Devils and his loyalty got rewarded. In an ever-changing landscape of college football, Dillingham reflects old school values.

Sources: Kenny Dillingham has signed a new contract at Arizona State, which will average $7.5 million over the course of the deal. The staff salary pool is up to $11 million, which puts it near the top of the Big 12. pic.twitter.com/Z94dFG9thG

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2025

ASU’s future is bright for three reasons with this move.

1. Dillingham brings stability

The NCAA transfer portal not only gives a way out for players; coaches benefit too.

Several coaches have left good opportunities to go elsewhere in college football.

Kenny Dillingham is committed to Arizona State, which makes the school a stable program. Fans know the hard work, passion, toughness, and excellence they are getting from Dillingham at the head of the table. He shows no signs of slowing down and his willingness to make ASU elite adds to the stability. Roster retention is a need in this sport, so retaining a coach is always good.

2. Recruits love when a school commits to a coach

Recruiting has an opportunity to really pick up for Arizona State in extending Dillingham.

Incoming freshmen do not like uncertainty. They want to know who the head coach is and can they trust him. Dillingham enters his fourth season at Arizona State next fall, so high school players around the area understand and appreciate the continuity the Sun Devils have with him. He carries a presence about himself that young men relish being around.

We could start to see four and five-star players choose Tempe (Ariz.) because of Dillingham’s extension.

3. A national championship possibility increases

ASU made the College Football Playoff in 2024 under Dillingham.

His extension makes a push for a national championship in the 12-team playoff a reality in the Big-12. He needs a quarterback to replace Sam Leavitt, but the Sun Devils have recruited talent. Dillingham knows what he needs to achieve to put Arizona State in the right situation. Stability is good for a program, it excites recruits, and it makes one a school on the rise.

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

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