If you watch college football, you probably know who Kenny Dillingham is. He is Arizona State’s (ASU) head coach. He went against all odds this season and won the Big 12. Then ASU shocked them all by securing the 4 seed in the College Football Playoffs.
This isn’t a deep analytics breakdown — it’s my take on why Kenny Dillingham is the real deal. There’ll be time for stats and game film later, but for now, we’re keeping it short and simple.
Media Guy
All players have social media accounts and use them to generate income through NIL deals. Many coaches have strong words against NIL deals. But here’s the thing: NIL is here to stay. Dillingham has embraced NIL and is trying to help his players connect with companies.
Dillingham wants to help out his athletes, but on top of that, it helps him recruit. If his players get paid, they will stay at ASU and help the program. Other players will see Dillingham helping his guys and want to go play for him. He is embracing the change that comes with NIL, not trying to run away from it.
Competitor
Dillingham loves competition. He brings competitiveness into his program like few other coaches do. He plays the EA Sports College Football video game against his players. That is a huge way to not just connect with players, but to build a team of competitors.
“Activate The Valley”
ASU’s football program has been a sleeping giant. They have had talent, but not the right coach. In Dillingham, they have the perfect coach. He wants the stadium to be sold out for every game — and he wants those in attendance to stay until the final whistle. He does this by giving away free Chick-fil-A sandwiches to anyone who stays for the whole game. If he wants something done, he gets it done.
Dillingham has a passion for the game unlike any other. He is at ASU to win; he doesn’t care about the money. He loves ASU and will do whatever it takes to win there. His players follow him. Sam Leavitt and Jordan Tyson could probably go anywhere and make more money, but they want to win at ASU. People want to play for Dillingham. People want to root for Dillingham.
Great Guy
I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny Dillingham while working at i9 Sports. He went out of his way to take a picture with us and speak to us. He is a very nice guy and down-to-earth. He wasn’t there for attention; he was there to cheer on his kid. It’s impossible not to root for him. I know he is the future of ASU football and will soon be the standard for collegiate football coaches.
Dillingham is someone worth rooting for. He cares for his players and coaches. If his players want to transfer, he is right there helping them. Dillingham gave his staff the bonus he got in 2024. He loves Arizona State, and he proves it with his love for the school, state, and everyone who is a part of it.
Dillingham is not just a fantastic coach, but also a remarkable man.
About the Author of “Is Kenny Dillingham the Future of College Football?”:
Mason Kasimov is a junior at Arizona State University, double majoring in Communications and Political Science with a focus on Sports, Culture, and Ethics. A soccer keeper and intramural legend (ringless, just like his beloved Buffalo Bills), Mason brings relentless energy and a deep voice to every sports debate. When he’s not defending Josh Allen or daydreaming about the Sun Devils upsetting his OG love—the Ohio State Buckeyes—he’s likely somewhere on a field, in the gym, or holding court in class. Follow him on X @masonkasimov
More content like “Is Kenny Dillingham the Future of College Football?”:
Lose With Dignity
The Rising Sun of ASU Football
Arizona Spring Training: How the Cactus League Came to Be
Cactus League Freedom
Why College Football Games Feel Longer Than Ever
Learn more about Kenny Dillingham:
The Sun Devils
Dillingham’s Instagram account
Reddit /rCFB
Would you like to sponsor a post on SportsEpreneur? Email us here to learn more.
Is Kenny Dillingham the Future of College Football?
If you watch college football, you probably know who Kenny Dillingham is. He is Arizona State’s (ASU) head coach. He went against all odds this season and won the Big 12. Then ASU shocked them all by securing the 4 seed in the College Football Playoffs.
This isn’t a deep analytics breakdown — it’s my take on why Kenny Dillingham is the real deal. There’ll be time for stats and game film later, but for now, we’re keeping it short and simple.
Media Guy
All players have social media accounts and use them to generate income through NIL deals. Many coaches have strong words against NIL deals. But here’s the thing: NIL is here to stay. Dillingham has embraced NIL and is trying to help his players connect with companies.
Dillingham wants to help out his athletes, but on top of that, it helps him recruit. If his players get paid, they will stay at ASU and help the program. Other players will see Dillingham helping his guys and want to go play for him. He is embracing the change that comes with NIL, not trying to run away from it.
Competitor
Dillingham loves competition. He brings competitiveness into his program like few other coaches do. He plays the EA Sports College Football video game against his players. That is a huge way to not just connect with players, but to build a team of competitors.
“Activate The Valley”
ASU’s football program has been a sleeping giant. They have had talent, but not the right coach. In Dillingham, they have the perfect coach. He wants the stadium to be sold out for every game — and he wants those in attendance to stay until the final whistle. He does this by giving away free Chick-fil-A sandwiches to anyone who stays for the whole game. If he wants something done, he gets it done.
Dillingham has a passion for the game unlike any other. He is at ASU to win; he doesn’t care about the money. He loves ASU and will do whatever it takes to win there. His players follow him. Sam Leavitt and Jordan Tyson could probably go anywhere and make more money, but they want to win at ASU. People want to play for Dillingham. People want to root for Dillingham.
Great Guy
I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny Dillingham while working at i9 Sports. He went out of his way to take a picture with us and speak to us. He is a very nice guy and down-to-earth. He wasn’t there for attention; he was there to cheer on his kid. It’s impossible not to root for him. I know he is the future of ASU football and will soon be the standard for collegiate football coaches.
Dillingham is someone worth rooting for. He cares for his players and coaches. If his players want to transfer, he is right there helping them. Dillingham gave his staff the bonus he got in 2024. He loves Arizona State, and he proves it with his love for the school, state, and everyone who is a part of it.
Dillingham is not just a fantastic coach, but also a remarkable man.
About the Author of “Is Kenny Dillingham the Future of College Football?”:
Mason Kasimov is a junior at Arizona State University, double majoring in Communications and Political Science with a focus on Sports, Culture, and Ethics. A soccer keeper and intramural legend (ringless, just like his beloved Buffalo Bills), Mason brings relentless energy and a deep voice to every sports debate. When he’s not defending Josh Allen or daydreaming about the Sun Devils upsetting his OG love—the Ohio State Buckeyes—he’s likely somewhere on a field, in the gym, or holding court in class. Follow him on X @masonkasimov
More content like “Is Kenny Dillingham the Future of College Football?”:
Lose With Dignity
The Rising Sun of ASU Football
Arizona Spring Training: How the Cactus League Came to Be
Cactus League Freedom
Why College Football Games Feel Longer Than Ever
Learn more about Kenny Dillingham:
The Sun Devils
Dillingham’s Instagram account
Reddit /rCFB
Would you like to sponsor a post on SportsEpreneur? Email us here to learn more.