Floated Michigan coaching target Kenny Dillingham responds to speculation

Dillingham, 35, rose to prominence last season after guiding Arizona State to the College Football Playoff, where it lost in double overtime to the Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals. The Arizona native graduated from Arizona State and has repeatedly spoken about what the university means to him.

He again emphasized his loyalty to the program on Saturday, telling reporters, "It's a special place to me," while tearing up.

While Michigan's rich history and tradition are undeniable, it makes little sense for Dillingham to move. He's already at his dream job, and there's no guarantee he'd find more success in Ann Arbor.

The next Michigan coach will have to build a culture from the ground up after the last one rotted. The program has had numerous scandals and coaching arrests in recent years, and it's up to the pending hire to usher in a new era.

On Saturday, ESPN's Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel reported that the university "has commissioned a full investigation into the practices and culture of its athletic department.

The results of that investigation could have ramifications for athletic director Warde Manuel.

"A high-level meeting of university officials was held Thursday evening ... leading to intense speculation about Manuel's future, but he remains on the job," Wetzel and Thamel reported.

With the person in charge of hiring the next football coach being on the hot seat, Michigan might not be the premier destination it imagines itself to be. Dillingham already knows the grass isn't certain to be greener. Others could follow.