Breaking News: Arizona State Sun Devils Head Coach Kenny Dillingham Named MFC College Coach of the Year
In a stunning but well-earned announcement, Arizona State University’s head football coach Kenny Dillingham has been named the 2025 MFC College Coach of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the brightest minds in collegiate football. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by the Major Football Coaches Association (MFC), recognizes Dillingham’s transformational leadership, tactical brilliance, and the resurgence he has orchestrated in Tempe.
Taking the reins of his alma mater just two years ago, Dillingham was faced with a monumental challenge. The Sun Devils had stumbled through back-to-back losing seasons, morale was low, and skepticism loomed large around the program. Yet, with a blend of energy, innovation, and an unshakeable belief in his players, Dillingham lit a fire under the team and the fanbase alike.
This past season, the Sun Devils shocked the Pac-12 and the national college football scene. They finished with a 10-2 record, their best regular-season performance since 1996. They secured key wins against perennial powerhouses like USC and Oregon, punctuating the campaign with a dramatic overtime victory against in-state rival Arizona — a game that showcased Dillingham’s daring play-calling and the resilience of his team.
Perhaps most impressive was Dillingham’s development of sophomore quarterback Jordan Rashada, who had entered the season largely untested. Under Dillingham’s tutelage, Rashada emerged as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, throwing for over 3,400 yards and accounting for 35 total touchdowns. Dillingham’s offensive system — a hybrid of spread concepts and pro-style formations — consistently outmaneuvered defensive coordinators and turned ASU into one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation.
The Sun Devils also made significant defensive strides. Dillingham’s hire of veteran defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman paid dividends, as the defense jumped from 92nd to 21st nationally in total defense. The turnaround wasn’t just statistical; it was cultural. Practices became more intense. The locker room bonded around a shared identity. The team became known for its discipline, focus, and swagger — all trademarks of Dillingham’s approach.
Off the field, Dillingham has been equally impactful. He launched the “Valley Brotherhood” initiative, a community-driven program designed to engage alumni, former players, and local youth. His recruiting classes have consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally, signaling a bright future for ASU football.
In a press conference following the MFC announcement, Dillingham remained humble. “This isn’t about me,” he said. “This is about a group of young men who chose belief over doubt, work over excuses, and each other over everything.”
With Arizona State poised to join the Big 12 next season, expectations are higher than ever — but so is belief. And at the center of it all is Kenny Dillingham, the hometown hero now officially recognized as the best coach in college football.
