Putting to rest any lingering rumors about a departure, Kenny Dillingham has doubled down on his commitment to Arizona State University (ASU) with the ink now dry on a five-year contract extension. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reported on the update provided by ASU's Athletic Director Graham Rossini on December 20, confirming Dillingham's solidified tenure at ASU worth $7.5 million per year.
After the firing of coach Sherrone Moore from Michigan, Dillingham was quickly thrust into the speculative spotlight as a possible replacement. Turning away from these speculations, Dillingham expressed, in a statement obtained by FOX 10, that the offer never came to fruition: "I never got offered a job. None of that ever ever happened and it never got to that point. Michigan's an unbelievable job with unlimited resources...I have nothing but respect, and I know they'll find somebody who's unbelievable."
The deal, which was signed on Saturday, does not just elevate Dillingham's salary. It includes a considerable increase in the salary pool for his assistants, raising it to $11 million, positioning ASU's staff as one of the top earners in the Big 12. When asked about the extension, Dillingham told reporters, "What I was fighting for was that long-term commitment to our staff, to our program, to the commitment to try be competitive in this crazy world (of college football)," as detailed in a report from 12News.
ASU's Graham Rossini lauded the agreement, extending a gesture that retains the young coach who has already begun igniting the field with competitive drive and fervor within the team and its supporters. Boasting a season sold out for every home game, Rossini cited Dillingham's impact: "We have the right coach and want him to have the tools to do his job in a way that keeps building excitement, connection and winning at ASU. Not only is the Valley activated, but the Sun Devils are about to ignite!” he told 12News.
Dillingham's dedication to his team and staff is evident through his push for additional resources which has culminated in this contract renewal. "Our staff wins. I’ve said this over and over," Dillingham emphasized, according to 12News, understanding the critical role they play in the success not just of his leadership but of ASU. Meanwhile, with the Sun Bowl slated for December 31 against Duke, focus shifts from contracts to gameplay as the Sun Devils look to cap off an already impressive season with a bowl victory.
