Just over two years ago, Kenny Dillingham took the helm as the head coach of the Arizona State football team, expressing his heartfelt dedication to the program during his introductory press conference. He emphasized the “special” nature of Arizona State and shared his ambition to lead the team to success after a difficult prior season, where the Sun Devils finished just 3-9 and faced NCAA sanctions due to a recruitment investigation.
Now, less than two seasons into his tenure, Dillingham’s aspirations have begun to materialize. His team boasts an impressive record of 10-2 this season and is competing for the Big 12 championship—an outstanding achievement for the inaugural year in the conference. The local community has rallied behind the Sun Devils, embracing the excitement surrounding their football program.
Regardless of the outcome of the championship game, this season has been a remarkable journey for both the Sun Devils and Dillingham, who recently earned the title of Big 12 Coach of the Year. The team’s performance has far surpassed expectations, especially considering they were predicted to finish at the bottom of the conference.
Dillingham’s initial words during his introduction resonate now more than ever. His commitment to fostering community support and uniting the Valley has been a central theme in his approach. He passionately called for collective engagement from the community to elevate the program’s success, stating, “We need the Valley behind us.”
As this promising season unfolds, there’s a strong sense of hope and excitement surrounding Arizona State football, demonstrating the potential for continued growth and achievement in the future.
This season’s achievements reflect not only Dillingham’s coaching prowess but also the collective spirit of resilience and dedication from players, staff, and the entire fanbase supporting the Sun Devils.