Kenny Dillingham: Could He Take Over Michigan?
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham quieted early speculation about leaving for top programs, but that was before Michigan opened its head coaching vacancy.
Since Sherrone Moore was fired for cause on Wednesday, rumors have intensified that Dillingham could be the right fit to restore Michigan’s status as a college football blue blood.
By 6:30 p.m. MST on Friday, Dillingham was the clear favorite to become Michigan’s next head coach at -200, according to Bet Online. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Washington’s Jedd Fisch rounded out the top three. Notably, Fisch previously served as Michigan’s quarterbacks/wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator during Jim Harbaugh’s first two seasons in Ann Arbor (2015-16).
Analysts have weighed in on why Dillingham could be the answer. On3’s J.D. PicKell described Michigan’s current situation as odd and “needing new juice,” arguing Dillingham’s youth, energy, and attacking style could refresh the program—echoing what Jim Harbaugh initially brought to the table.
Josh Pate, a commentator on ESPN’s Get Up, said Dillingham would be “tailor-made” for Michigan, highlighting his playoff ascent with Arizona State and his proven ability to develop quarterbacks, an area where Michigan has faced consistency issues.
Dillingham is under a five-year deal at ASU, with an automatic extension by one year if ASU earns a bowl game.
Dillingham has consistently dismissed talk of his departure. On December 5, he told the Travis Take Two Podcast that he did not discuss other jobs during the season with anyone, stressing his commitment to his current team and community. He acknowledged that his agent had received calls but that he made his intentions clear to those involved: he wanted to stay, and his priority was to reciprocate the loyalty he felt from his players, staff, and supporters.
He previously addressed rumors about LSU and Penn State interest after ASU’s win over West Virginia on November 15, stating he never planned to leave and that “this is home.” Nevertheless, he emphasized the need to keep pushing forward for the good of his program.
It’s worth noting that these comments were made well before Michigan’s job opened, and any potential move would require a significant shift in how he’s positioned his program and commitments.
If Michigan pursues Dillingham, it would mark a major pivot from his current path and could redefine how he balances loyalty to ASU with the demands and expectations of a storied program like Michigan. The conversation around his fit involves weighing his demonstrated energy, quarterback development, and recent success against the realities of a high-profile, pressure-filled head coaching role at one of college football’s most scrutinized programs.
What do you think? Would Dillingham’s style and energy align with Michigan’s culture and history, or would this be a risky departure from the Wolverines’ established approach? Share your perspective in the comments.
