In a surprising and decisive move, the Arizona State Sun Devils have announced the termination of head coach Kenny Dillingham’s contract after just two seasons at the helm. The decision, which was made public earlier today, comes after a difficult 2024 season that saw the Sun Devils struggle to maintain consistency and failed to meet expectations set by both the team and fans.
Dillingham, 34, was hired in 2022 with the goal of rejuvenating the Arizona State football program and returning the Sun Devils to prominence within the Pac-12. Known for his dynamic offensive mind and youth-oriented coaching style, Dillingham arrived with optimism, particularly after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Oregon. However, despite his energy and enthusiasm, Dillingham’s tenure in Tempe has been marked by underperformance.
In a statement released by the university, Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson explained the decision. “After a thorough evaluation, we’ve made the difficult decision to part ways with Coach Dillingham. While we appreciate his hard work and commitment to the program, we feel that the direction of the team requires a change. We are focused on finding a new leader who can restore the Sun Devils to a competitive level within the Pac-12 and beyond.”
Under Dillingham’s leadership, the Sun Devils failed to meet expectations, finishing with a losing record both in 2023 and 2024. The team struggled in several key areas, including offensive inconsistency, defensive lapses, and a lack of discipline in crucial moments. Despite a promising start, Arizona State’s season was marred by injuries, player development issues, and an inability to close out games.
The firing comes at a time when the Sun Devils are entering a critical period in the program’s history. With the team set to move to the Big 12 Conference in the coming seasons, the search for a new head coach will be pivotal in shaping the future of Arizona State football. Fans and media outlets alike have expressed mixed reactions to Dillingham’s departure, with many citing the potential for improvement under his guidance but acknowledging that the results were simply not sufficient.
Dillingham, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Sun Devils. “I’m thankful to the Arizona State community, our players, and the fans for their support during my time here,” Dillingham said in a statement. “While I’m disappointed with the outcome, I have no doubt that the future of Sun Devils football will be bright.”
The Arizona State athletic department will now begin its search for a new head coach, with a focus on bringing in someone who can reestablish the program as a powerhouse in college football. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Sun Devils as they look to secure their next leader and begin a new chapter in the history of Arizona State football.
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