Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

UCLA Coaching Candidate Profile: Kenny Dillingham

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The search is on for the next UCLA Bruins head coach following the dismissal of DeShaun Foster after just 15 games.

This next hire is one of the most important in recent history. As the Bruins continue to struggle in the Big Ten, it's important that UCLA leaders find the right guy who can build a long-lasting culture in Westwood.

So, we're going to go through some of the best candidates for the job. Among the biggest names being thrown around, there are some long shots and some names that would fit great in Westwood.

Meet Kenny Dillingham

This one may be the longest shot, but is it really?

Dillingham is one of the loudest, dynamic coaches in the nation and has done a tremendous job turning around the Sun Devils.

Sure, Arizona State as a program is in a better spot than UCLA, having just made a miraculous run to the College Football Playoff, but imagine if Dillingham were surrounded by more resources, better facilities, a stronger conference and, most importantly, more money.

The Bruins can certainly outbid Arizona State, and if Jarmond and UCLA's search committee are serious about landing a program changer, then they need to throw all the money they can at Dillingham.

Dillingham's Coaching Experience

2022-Present: Arizona State -- Head Coach
2022: Oregon -- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2020-2021: Florida State -- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2019: Auburn -- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2018: Memphis -- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
2017: Memphis -- Quarterbacks/Tight Ends Coach
2016: Memphis -- Graduate Assistant
2014-2015: Arizona State -- Offensive Assistant

Dillingham has turned into one of the most storied college football coaches in recent history, in part due to his eccentric coaching style, but also because he has built an undeniable culture in Tempe.

That exact type of program and culture-building is what UCLA has been missing for years. So, could the Bruins go out and poach Dillingham? Or is Arizona's sweetheart entirely off limits?

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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