Breaking News: Kenny Dillingham Reaffirms Commitment to Arizona State Amid Departure Rumors
Tempe, AZ – May 23, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events that silenced a storm of speculation, Arizona State University head football coach Kenny Dillingham has publicly reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to the Sun Devils, pushing back firmly against swirling rumors suggesting an imminent departure to a Power Five rival.
Over the past week, social media buzzed with unverified reports that Dillingham, 34, was being courted by multiple programs in the Big Ten and SEC following a breakout season that saw Arizona State finish 9-3 and secure its first bowl victory in nearly a decade. Speculation peaked when a cryptic tweet from a national sports reporter hinted that “a rising young coach in the desert could be packing bags soon.”
But in a fiery and passionate press conference held this morning at Sun Devil Stadium, Dillingham confronted the rumors head-on.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Dillingham declared, standing at the podium flanked by ASU athletic director Ray Anderson and several key players. “I was born and raised in Arizona. This program isn’t just my job—it’s my home, my heart, my mission. We’ve built something special here, and I intend to finish what we’ve started.”
Dillingham’s voice carried conviction, underscoring the culture shift he has brought since taking over in 2022. Under his leadership, Arizona State has undergone a remarkable transformation. From rebuilding a fractured locker room to rejuvenating the team’s recruiting pipeline, Dillingham has reestablished ASU as a legitimate threat in the Pac-12.
His “Desert Rising” mantra has become more than a marketing slogan—it’s a rallying cry. The Sun Devils’ physical, fast-paced offense and stingy defense have earned national recognition, and local support has surged. Season ticket sales are at their highest in a decade, and the 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked top 15 nationally.
Anderson, who has faced criticism in the past for leadership decisions, stood firmly by Dillingham, stating, “Kenny is not only the face of this program—he is the future. He’s made an unwavering commitment to ASU, and we’ve made an equal commitment to him. There’s no ceiling for what this team can achieve with him at the helm.”
Players, too, expressed their admiration. Quarterback Jalen Rashada, one of the brightest stars in the Pac-12, said, “Coach Dillingham never wavers. He believes in us, and we believe in him. This whole team is locked in.”
Though Dillingham acknowledged that outside interest is “a sign we’re doing something right,” he made it clear that no offer could pull him away from his alma mater—at least not yet.
“We’re not done,” he said. “Not until we bring a championship to Tempe.”
As the Sun Devils prepare for a crucial summer, the message is loud and clear: Kenny Dillingham is staying, the rumors are done, and Arizona State’s rise is just beginning.
