A meteoric rise and hometown legend in the making. That’s the story of Coach Kenny Dillingham. From a 17-year-old high school coach to the architect of Arizona State’s historic College Football Playoff appearance, Dillingham’s ascent has forced the football world to take notice.
When a skyscraper goes up, there’s not much to see at first besides a mess. Perhaps some doubt creeps in. In those early losses, fans and media doubted, questioned, and even laughed. Arizona State Sun Devil football was what it had always been…not very good. But what those critics couldn’t see was that construction requires patience, and the individuals working behind the scenes were building something special. For those paying attention, there were promising signs. But what we’re seeing today — not even the most optimistic observer saw this coming. Except maybe Coach Dillingham and his family.
“I’m a Sun Devil”
Kenny Dillingham’s connection to Arizona State runs deeper than most college football coaches. His first taste of Sun Devil football came at age six, when he witnessed ASU’s stunning 19-0 upset over top-ranked Nebraska in September 1996. “What do I remember? Nothing, other than my face was painted, I had a Jake Plummer jersey on, and I was sitting there eating nachos,” Dillingham recalled of this special day.
Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dillingham’s childhood was steeped in Sun Devil tradition. His family were “elite tailgaters,” hosting elaborate pre-game feasts near Packard Stadium, where young Kenny would play pickup football in the parking lot with other children. These early experiences fostered a deep-seated love for ASU football that would eventually shape his career trajectory.
An Unexpected Beginning for Kenny Dillingham
Sometimes life’s biggest redirections come wrapped in disappointment. For Dillingham, it was a torn ACL his senior year at Chaparral High School that changed everything. Most teenagers would’ve mourned their lost season. Instead, young Kenny found himself holding a clipboard, teaching rather than playing, leading the junior varsity team at just 17. Talk about life having other plans.
While attending Arizona State University, pursuing his degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on business and communication, Dillingham was already building his coaching career. His connection to ASU went beyond just being a student – he was part of a family deeply rooted in Sun Devil tradition. Three of the four Dillingham children went to ASU, and his future wife Briana would also graduate from the university.
By age 21, while still completing his degree at ASU, Dillingham had already earned the role of varsity offensive coordinator at Chaparral High School. The results spoke for themselves. In 2013, he coordinated the No. 1 offense in Arizona, leading the Firebirds to a 12-win season and the Division II state championship game. The college student was outcoaching veterans twice his age, and people were starting to notice.
Kenny Dillingham’s Rapid Coaching Rise
In 2013, Dillingham would also meet Mike Norvell, then ASU’s offensive coordinator, who offered him the chance to shadow during meetings, practices, and film sessions. This connection would prove crucial, leading to his first college coaching position at ASU in 2014 as an offensive assistant under Norvell. Dillingham’s collegiate coaching career thus began at his alma mater, Arizona State. In this role he established relationships and developed his coaching philosophy. Working under offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, whom he had met while coaching at Chaparral, Dillingham gained invaluable experience in developing dynamic offenses.
His career trajectory accelerated when he followed Norvell to Memphis in 2016. Starting as a graduate assistant, Dillingham quickly proved his worth, rising to quarterbacks and tight ends coach in 2017 before being named offensive coordinator in 2018. Under his guidance, Memphis’s offense ranked fourth nationally in total offense (534.3 yards per game) and seventh in scoring (43.6 points per game).
Building a Powerhouse Resume
Dillingham’s journey from Memphis to becoming the Sun Devil’s head coach reads like a who’s who of college football, each stop adding new dimensions to his offensive philosophy and building crucial relationships that would shape his career.
Auburn: The Malzahn Chapter (2019)
The call from Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn marked Dillingham’s entry into SEC football. Here, he would face the challenge of developing a true freshman quarterback in the nation’s toughest conference. That freshman was Bo Nix, who would become a recurring character in Dillingham’s story. Under his guidance, Nix became the first true freshman to start a season opener for Auburn since 1946, ultimately earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
The Tigers’ offense hummed under Dillingham’s coordination, averaging 33.2 points per game and securing a 9-3 record. But perhaps his most memorable moment came in his final game calling plays for Auburn – a 48-point explosion against Nick Saban’s Alabama, the most points the Crimson Tide had given up during Saban’s tenure.
Florida State: Reuniting with Norvell (2020-2021)
When Mike Norvell, his original mentor from ASU and Memphis, took the helm at Florida State, Dillingham followed. Their reunion in Tallahassee produced an offense that specialized in explosive plays. The 2021 Seminoles ranked 18th nationally in plays over 60 yards and eighth in touchdowns longer than 75 yards.
Perhaps most impressive was the team’s red zone efficiency – converting 32 straight red zone trips into points, the second-longest streak in the nation during the 2021 season. Under their guidance, Florida State’s ground game flourished, averaging 199.9 rushing yards per game in 2020, the program’s highest mark since 2016.
Oregon: The Offensive Explosion (2022)
When Dan Lanning took the head coaching job at Oregon, he knew exactly who to call to run his offense. In Eugene, Dillingham reunited with Bo Nix and orchestrated one of the nation’s most potent attacks. The numbers tell the story: fourth in the FBS in yards per game (507.8), eighth in scoring (39.7 points per game), and, remarkably, the fewest sacks allowed in the FBS (4.0).
The Ducks’ offense excelled in every meaningful metric, showcasing Dillingham’s ability to adapt his system to his personnel while maintaining explosive efficiency. This final stop before returning home to ASU proved he was ready for the next step – running his own program.
Each of these positions added new layers to Dillingham’s coaching arsenal: SEC experience under Malzahn, continued growth with his mentor Norvell, and a record-setting year with Lanning. The pattern was clear: Wherever Dillingham went, offensive fireworks followed.
Coming Home to Coach Arizona State
When Arizona State named Dillingham their head coach in November 2022, it represented more than just a coaching hire – it was a homecoming. At 32, Dillingham became the youngest head coach in Power Five football and the first Arizona State University alumnus to lead the program in the modern era.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head coach at Arizona State University,” Dillingham stated at his introductory press conference. “This is a special place to myself and my wife who is also a graduate. I truly believe the team we will build here is one that the state of Arizona and all Sun Devils can rally behind.”
Arizona State’s Historic Turnaround
After a challenging 3-9 record in his first season, Dillingham engineered one of college football’s most remarkable turnarounds in 2024. Despite being projected to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Sun Devils defied all expectations, capturing the conference championship with a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State and securing the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
The turnaround wasn’t just about wins and losses – it represented a cultural shift within the program. Dillingham’s energy, innovative offensive schemes, and deep connection to the Arizona State community have reinvigorated a fan base and attracted top talent to Tempe.
The Future of Arizona State Football with Coach Kenny Dillingham
The future appears bright for both Dillingham and Arizona State. Athletic Director Graham Rossini has expressed his commitment to keeping Dillingham “a Sun Devil for life,” emphasizing the administration’s dedication to providing the resources necessary for sustained success.
“We want to make sure we keep the core group of coaches, assistants, and coordinators in place and give them every resource to maintain this roster at the highest level,” Rossini stated. “We’ve got a young team that’s got a chance to be a generational group of Sun Devils.”
The Kenny Dillingham Effect
What makes Kenny Dillingham’s success particularly noteworthy is his ability to connect with players and develop talent. His offensive expertise, combined with his passionate approach to coaching, has created an environment where players thrive. The rapid improvement in ASU’s offensive efficiency and player development speaks to his ability to implement complex schemes while maintaining clear communication with his team.
As Arizona State prepares for its historic College Football Playoff appearance, Dillingham’s journey from a teenage coach to leading his hometown program to unprecedented heights serves as a testament to the power of hard work, taking chances, and staying true to one’s roots. At just 34 years old, Kenny Dillingham has already achieved what many coaches spend entire careers pursuing – but for him and the Sun Devils, this story is just beginning.
“This place is special,” Dillingham often says, and through his leadership, Arizona State football is proving just how special it can be.
TL;DR for Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State Football Story
Kenny Dillingham’s Journey:
- Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona; lifelong ASU fan since age 6
- Coaching career started at 17 after ACL injury at Chaparral High School
- Graduated from ASU (2012) while serving as Chaparral’s offensive coordinator
Key Coaching Stops:
- 2014-2015: ASU (Offensive Assistant)
- 2016-2018: Memphis (rose from GA to Offensive Coordinator)
- 2019: Auburn (OC, developed Bo Nix to SEC Freshman of the Year)
- 2020-2021: Florida State (OC under mentor Mike Norvell)
- 2022: Oregon (OC for Dan Lanning’s team, led top-5 national offense)
ASU Head Coach Highlights:
- Hired at age 32 (youngest Power 5 head coach)
- First ASU alumnus to lead program in modern era
- 2023: Difficult first season (3-9)
- 2024: Historic turnaround • Won Big 12 Championship • Led ASU to first College Football Playoff appearance • Turned last-place prediction into championship season
Current Status:
- Age 34
- ASU administration committed to keeping him “a Sun Devil for life”
- Program positioned for sustained success with young roster
Kenny Dillingham and the Rising Sun of Arizona State Football
A meteoric rise and hometown legend in the making. That’s the story of Coach Kenny Dillingham. From a 17-year-old high school coach to the architect of Arizona State’s historic College Football Playoff appearance, Dillingham’s ascent has forced the football world to take notice.
When a skyscraper goes up, there’s not much to see at first besides a mess. Perhaps some doubt creeps in. In those early losses, fans and media doubted, questioned, and even laughed. Arizona State Sun Devil football was what it had always been…not very good. But what those critics couldn’t see was that construction requires patience, and the individuals working behind the scenes were building something special. For those paying attention, there were promising signs. But what we’re seeing today — not even the most optimistic observer saw this coming. Except maybe Coach Dillingham and his family.
“I’m a Sun Devil”
Kenny Dillingham’s connection to Arizona State runs deeper than most college football coaches. His first taste of Sun Devil football came at age six, when he witnessed ASU’s stunning 19-0 upset over top-ranked Nebraska in September 1996. “What do I remember? Nothing, other than my face was painted, I had a Jake Plummer jersey on, and I was sitting there eating nachos,” Dillingham recalled of this special day.
Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dillingham’s childhood was steeped in Sun Devil tradition. His family were “elite tailgaters,” hosting elaborate pre-game feasts near Packard Stadium, where young Kenny would play pickup football in the parking lot with other children. These early experiences fostered a deep-seated love for ASU football that would eventually shape his career trajectory.
An Unexpected Beginning for Kenny Dillingham
Sometimes life’s biggest redirections come wrapped in disappointment. For Dillingham, it was a torn ACL his senior year at Chaparral High School that changed everything. Most teenagers would’ve mourned their lost season. Instead, young Kenny found himself holding a clipboard, teaching rather than playing, leading the junior varsity team at just 17. Talk about life having other plans.
While attending Arizona State University, pursuing his degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on business and communication, Dillingham was already building his coaching career. His connection to ASU went beyond just being a student – he was part of a family deeply rooted in Sun Devil tradition. Three of the four Dillingham children went to ASU, and his future wife Briana would also graduate from the university.
By age 21, while still completing his degree at ASU, Dillingham had already earned the role of varsity offensive coordinator at Chaparral High School. The results spoke for themselves. In 2013, he coordinated the No. 1 offense in Arizona, leading the Firebirds to a 12-win season and the Division II state championship game. The college student was outcoaching veterans twice his age, and people were starting to notice.
Kenny Dillingham’s Rapid Coaching Rise
In 2013, Dillingham would also meet Mike Norvell, then ASU’s offensive coordinator, who offered him the chance to shadow during meetings, practices, and film sessions. This connection would prove crucial, leading to his first college coaching position at ASU in 2014 as an offensive assistant under Norvell. Dillingham’s collegiate coaching career thus began at his alma mater, Arizona State. In this role he established relationships and developed his coaching philosophy. Working under offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, whom he had met while coaching at Chaparral, Dillingham gained invaluable experience in developing dynamic offenses.
His career trajectory accelerated when he followed Norvell to Memphis in 2016. Starting as a graduate assistant, Dillingham quickly proved his worth, rising to quarterbacks and tight ends coach in 2017 before being named offensive coordinator in 2018. Under his guidance, Memphis’s offense ranked fourth nationally in total offense (534.3 yards per game) and seventh in scoring (43.6 points per game).
Building a Powerhouse Resume
Dillingham’s journey from Memphis to becoming the Sun Devil’s head coach reads like a who’s who of college football, each stop adding new dimensions to his offensive philosophy and building crucial relationships that would shape his career.
Auburn: The Malzahn Chapter (2019)
The call from Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn marked Dillingham’s entry into SEC football. Here, he would face the challenge of developing a true freshman quarterback in the nation’s toughest conference. That freshman was Bo Nix, who would become a recurring character in Dillingham’s story. Under his guidance, Nix became the first true freshman to start a season opener for Auburn since 1946, ultimately earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
The Tigers’ offense hummed under Dillingham’s coordination, averaging 33.2 points per game and securing a 9-3 record. But perhaps his most memorable moment came in his final game calling plays for Auburn – a 48-point explosion against Nick Saban’s Alabama, the most points the Crimson Tide had given up during Saban’s tenure.
Florida State: Reuniting with Norvell (2020-2021)
When Mike Norvell, his original mentor from ASU and Memphis, took the helm at Florida State, Dillingham followed. Their reunion in Tallahassee produced an offense that specialized in explosive plays. The 2021 Seminoles ranked 18th nationally in plays over 60 yards and eighth in touchdowns longer than 75 yards.
Perhaps most impressive was the team’s red zone efficiency – converting 32 straight red zone trips into points, the second-longest streak in the nation during the 2021 season. Under their guidance, Florida State’s ground game flourished, averaging 199.9 rushing yards per game in 2020, the program’s highest mark since 2016.
Oregon: The Offensive Explosion (2022)
When Dan Lanning took the head coaching job at Oregon, he knew exactly who to call to run his offense. In Eugene, Dillingham reunited with Bo Nix and orchestrated one of the nation’s most potent attacks. The numbers tell the story: fourth in the FBS in yards per game (507.8), eighth in scoring (39.7 points per game), and, remarkably, the fewest sacks allowed in the FBS (4.0).
The Ducks’ offense excelled in every meaningful metric, showcasing Dillingham’s ability to adapt his system to his personnel while maintaining explosive efficiency. This final stop before returning home to ASU proved he was ready for the next step – running his own program.
Each of these positions added new layers to Dillingham’s coaching arsenal: SEC experience under Malzahn, continued growth with his mentor Norvell, and a record-setting year with Lanning. The pattern was clear: Wherever Dillingham went, offensive fireworks followed.
Coming Home to Coach Arizona State
When Arizona State named Dillingham their head coach in November 2022, it represented more than just a coaching hire – it was a homecoming. At 32, Dillingham became the youngest head coach in Power Five football and the first Arizona State University alumnus to lead the program in the modern era.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head coach at Arizona State University,” Dillingham stated at his introductory press conference. “This is a special place to myself and my wife who is also a graduate. I truly believe the team we will build here is one that the state of Arizona and all Sun Devils can rally behind.”
Arizona State’s Historic Turnaround
After a challenging 3-9 record in his first season, Dillingham engineered one of college football’s most remarkable turnarounds in 2024. Despite being projected to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Sun Devils defied all expectations, capturing the conference championship with a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State and securing the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
The turnaround wasn’t just about wins and losses – it represented a cultural shift within the program. Dillingham’s energy, innovative offensive schemes, and deep connection to the Arizona State community have reinvigorated a fan base and attracted top talent to Tempe.
The Future of Arizona State Football with Coach Kenny Dillingham
The future appears bright for both Dillingham and Arizona State. Athletic Director Graham Rossini has expressed his commitment to keeping Dillingham “a Sun Devil for life,” emphasizing the administration’s dedication to providing the resources necessary for sustained success.
“We want to make sure we keep the core group of coaches, assistants, and coordinators in place and give them every resource to maintain this roster at the highest level,” Rossini stated. “We’ve got a young team that’s got a chance to be a generational group of Sun Devils.”
The Kenny Dillingham Effect
What makes Kenny Dillingham’s success particularly noteworthy is his ability to connect with players and develop talent. His offensive expertise, combined with his passionate approach to coaching, has created an environment where players thrive. The rapid improvement in ASU’s offensive efficiency and player development speaks to his ability to implement complex schemes while maintaining clear communication with his team.
As Arizona State prepares for its historic College Football Playoff appearance, Dillingham’s journey from a teenage coach to leading his hometown program to unprecedented heights serves as a testament to the power of hard work, taking chances, and staying true to one’s roots. At just 34 years old, Kenny Dillingham has already achieved what many coaches spend entire careers pursuing – but for him and the Sun Devils, this story is just beginning.
“This place is special,” Dillingham often says, and through his leadership, Arizona State football is proving just how special it can be.
TL;DR for Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State Football Story
Kenny Dillingham’s Journey:
Key Coaching Stops:
ASU Head Coach Highlights:
Current Status: