Kenny Dillingham’s journey from an overlooked assistant to the head coach of Arizona State is an inspiring story of perseverance and self-belief
His philosophy of making oneself invaluable, embracing hard work, and continuously striving for improvement has not only shaped his own career but also serves as a blueprint for aspiring coaches and athletes.
If his past is any indication, his future is undoubtedly bright, and the Sun Devils are in good hands under his leadership.
Despite the challenges ahead, there’s a growing excitement around the program. ASU’s success in 2024 has reignited the fanbase, increased national attention, and positioned the program as a legitimate contender in college football.
Dillingham’s ultimate goal is to build a sustainable powerhouse, where ASU remains competitive even in down years. With a strong returning core, strategic additions, and a motivated coaching staff, the Sun Devils have the foundation to keep moving forward.
The 2025 season will be a defining moment for Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State. Whether they can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Dillingham is ready to lead the charge.
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Table of Contents
Kenny Dillingham: Who Is He?
The Resilient Rise of Arizona State’s Youngest Head Coach
Kenny Dillingham is one of the youngest head coaches in college football, leading the Arizona State Sun Devils with a passion and energy that is rare in the coaching world.1
His journey, however, has not been an easy one. Through setbacks and adversity, Dillingham has developed a mindset that prioritizes resilience, adaptability, and relentless effort.
In a recent episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, he shared his remarkable story, revealing how challenges have shaped his coaching philosophy.
Early Career Challenges: A Sudden Setback
Dillingham’s coaching career at Arizona State faced an early obstacle when he was unexpectedly demoted from his graduate assistant role the day before fall camp.
It was a crushing blow, as he found himself no longer allowed to coach—a moment that could have derailed his ambitions.
Instead of dwelling on disappointment, Dillingham chose to redirect his energy toward proving his worth in other ways.
Awesome achievment https://t.co/6CUGdkB8rE
— Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) February 7, 2025
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Rather than sulking over his demotion, Dillingham committed himself to supporting the team in any way possible.
He threw himself into recruiting efforts, assisting with administrative tasks, and ensuring that every small detail behind the scenes was handled flawlessly.
“I doubled down in doing everything in recruiting and getting the coffee ready and getting the paper off the printer and making the books and breaking down the games and signing kids,” Dillingham said. “I’m going to make myself so valuable that you’re not going to have a choice.”
This relentless attitude paid off. By making himself indispensable, he built credibility and trust within the program, ultimately paving the way for his rise through the coaching ranks.
A Philosophy of Relentless Value Addition
Dillingham’s coaching philosophy revolves around the idea of making oneself invaluable. He firmly believes that individuals should take full responsibility for their roles, refusing to blame others for missed opportunities.
“It’s not my job to hire you. It’s your job to make me hire you,” he stated. “If you’re in a building and you’re mad you didn’t get a job, that’s not the coach’s fault. That’s your fault.”
This mindset, rooted in accountability and self-improvement, has become a guiding principle in his career. It also serves as a powerful lesson for aspiring coaches and players alike.
Kenny Dillingham: Career
Building a Reputation Through Hard Work
Dillingham’s relentless work ethic and determination did not go unnoticed.2
Over the years, he steadily climbed the coaching ladder, earning roles at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon before returning to Arizona State as head coach.
Each stop along the way reinforced his belief in earning opportunities through effort and commitment rather than expecting them to be handed out. His success is a testament to the power of perseverance in the highly competitive world of college football.
Developing Players with a Growth Mindset
As a head coach, Dillingham now instills the same philosophy in his players. He emphasizes personal growth, urging athletes to take responsibility for their development both on and off the field.
He challenges players to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, encouraging them to focus on what they can control rather than external circumstances.
This approach not only builds stronger football players but also prepares them for success in life beyond the game.
The Importance of Recruiting and Relationship-Building
Dillingham’s early struggles in coaching taught him the value of recruiting and relationship-building.
During his time in non-coaching roles, he played a crucial part in identifying talent, communicating with prospects, and establishing trust with players and their families.
These experiences have shaped his approach to recruiting as a head coach. He understands that successful recruiting goes beyond talent evaluation—it requires genuine connections, consistent effort, and a clear vision for how each player fits into the program’s future.
Innovative Coaching Strategies at Arizona State
As Arizona State’s head coach, Dillingham brings an innovative and aggressive approach to both offense and overall team strategy.
His play-calling reflects his confidence and willingness to take calculated risks, an attitude he developed through years of proving himself in difficult situations.
He encourages creativity on the field, fostering an environment where players can make plays while understanding the responsibilities of their positions. His offensive philosophy is built on speed, adaptability, and leveraging matchups to exploit defenses.
Adapting to the Evolving Landscape of College Football
College football is constantly evolving, and Dillingham understands the importance of adaptability.
With changes in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies, the transfer portal, and recruiting dynamics, he remains focused on positioning Arizona State as a program that embraces change rather than resists it.
He believes in using every available tool to maximize the potential of his team, whether through advanced analytics, cutting-edge training methods, or modern recruiting techniques. His ability to stay ahead of trends sets him apart as a forward-thinking coach.
Kenny Dillingham: Mentorship
Dillingham credits much of his growth to the mentors who guided him along the way.3
He has worked with some of the most respected minds in college football, learning invaluable lessons about leadership, strategy, and program management.
He continues to seek out knowledge and improve his craft, recognizing that great coaching is a lifelong learning process.
By surrounding himself with experienced leaders and constantly refining his approach, he ensures that he never becomes complacent.
Instilling a Winning Culture at Arizona State
One of Dillingham’s primary goals as head coach is to build a culture of accountability, discipline, and resilience at Arizona State. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, urging players to embrace challenges rather than fear them.
His leadership style fosters a competitive environment where players are encouraged to push their limits while supporting one another as teammates.
This culture shift is crucial in transforming Arizona State into a top-tier program.
Lessons from Dillingham’s Journey
Setbacks are inevitable, but how one responds defines their future. Effort and commitment will always be recognized in the long run.
Rather than blaming external factors, focus on making yourself invaluable. The best coaches and players are those who never stop improving.
Building strong connections and fostering the right mindset are essential for long-term success.
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Kenny Dillingham Faces the Tougher Task After Breakout Season
Arizona State’s head coach Kenny Dillingham is gearing up for the 2025 season with new challenges after the Sun Devils’ breakout 2024 campaign.
The team exceeded expectations by winning the Big 12 and making a deep run in the College Football Playoff, but now the real test begins—sustaining that success.
Dillingham understands that his team can’t simply rely on talent alone; they must maintain the same level of preparation, focus, and intensity that fueled their previous run. He has emphasized the need for his players to continue working with relentless determination.
“How do you get that same group of people to play with that fire, that energy, that passion, with that level of ‘the world is against me’? The greatest challenge for our guys is that because we have everybody back (over 30 players that were in the 2024 two-deep), we’re going to have expectations,” Dillingham explained.
Building a Culture of Consistency
Sustaining success is often more difficult than achieving it in the first place. Opponents will now have ASU circled on their schedules, and the team will need to adapt to the pressures of being a top contender.
For Dillingham, the long-term vision is to build a program that competes at a high level every year, rather than experiencing sporadic success.
He believes that a culture of discipline and accountability will be the key to making ASU a perennial powerhouse.
“We’re only going to be as good as we prepare and practice. We’re not just going to be able to show up on Saturday and win games. It’s a process,” he said.
This mindset is crucial as the Sun Devils prepare for a more demanding season. Unlike the underdog role they embraced last year, they will now have a target on their backs.
Kenny Dillingham: Managing Key Departures
- One of the biggest challenges for ASU will be filling the gaps left by departing players, particularly star running back Cam Skattebo.
- Skattebo was a key piece of the Sun Devils’ offense last season, and his absence will force Dillingham to get creative with his play-calling.
- Army transfer Kany Udoh is expected to contribute immediately, bringing a mix of power and speed to the backfield.
- However, ASU will need a committee approach at running back, with multiple players stepping up to share the load.
- Another major storyline is the development of redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt. With a year in the system, Leavitt will have the opportunity to take on a more significant role in the offense.
- Dillingham is giving him the freedom to grow while ensuring that he remains composed under pressure.
- The return of playmaker Jordyn Tyson also provides a boost, giving ASU a dynamic weapon on the outside.
- If Leavitt can develop chemistry with Tyson and the rest of the receiving corps, the Sun Devils’ passing attack could be even more dangerous than last season.
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Defensive Adjustments and New Leadership
While ASU’s offense is poised for another strong year, the defense must continue its upward trajectory. Last season, the defense played a crucial role in ASU’s success, but key departures mean new leaders must emerge.
The Sun Devils’ coaching staff has focused on improving defensive depth through recruiting and the transfer portal.
With several returning starters, the goal is to refine their schemes and ensure they remain one of the toughest units in the Big 12.
Dillingham knows that maintaining success comes with unique challenges. The underdog mentality that fueled ASU last season must be replaced with a mindset of consistent excellence. Complacency is the biggest threat to the Sun Devils’ continued rise.
The coaching staff is focused on keeping the team grounded and hungry. Players are reminded daily that last year’s achievements mean nothing if they don’t continue to put in the work.
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