The Sun Devils coach is rare in college athletics.
Kenny Dillingham fights back tears reflecting on Arizona State tenure originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham fought back tears Saturday as he addressed swirling rumors about his future and reflected on what the program means to him.
After a delayed practice in Tempe, Dillingham paused for nearly 30 seconds while gathering himself before answering questions about reported interest from Michigan.
“I love this place,” Dillingham said, his voice cracking. “This place is just — it’s a special place to me.”
Kenny Dillingham was asked what makes coaching at ASU special. He was visibly emotional, taking a long pause with tears in his eyes before answering:
— Jakob Brooks (@Jakobrooks) December 13, 2025
"I love this place... It's a special place to me."@SunDevilSourcepic.twitter.com/6SPCfRL9Ed
Dillingham said the Michigan opening “will be good for somebody,” but stressed it does not change how he feels about Arizona State. He acknowledged ongoing discussions with university officials about a contract extension, noting that his agent is handling those talks.
The 35-year-old coach also sought to calm an anxious fan base after an unexpected delay to Saturday’s practice. Dillingham said he pushed the start time back so players could sleep in, joking that he wanted to play basketball and texted the team about the change.
“I know where I stand. I know what I want,” Dillingham said. “As a leader, it’s my job to take care of groups of people and to do right by groups of people. Not just (myself)."
Dillingham received a contract extension a year ago that runs through 2029. The deal included a raise to $5.8 million in 2025 and increased program resources.
The Sun Devils surged to 11-3 last season, winning the Big 12 championship and earning a College Football Playoff appearance. Arizona State is 22-16 under Dillingham, including 19-7 since the program emerged from NCAA sanctions.
Arizona State practiced later in the morning as it continues preparations for the Sun Bowl against ACC champs Duke on Dec. 31.
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