Arizona State’s Bold Move: Dillingham’s New Contract and the Future of Sun Devils Football
In a move that has sent ripples through the college football world, Arizona State and their head football coach, Kenny Dillingham, have agreed to a groundbreaking new five-year contract. This deal, as sources revealed to ESPN on Tuesday, places Dillingham among the top tier of Big 12 coaching salaries, a testament to his remarkable impact on the program.
Now, let’s dive into the details of this exciting development. Dillingham’s contract isn’t just a standard five-year deal; it includes a “pathway” to extend to 10 years. While Arizona law limits state school contracts to five years, sources have indicated that there are incentives in place that could stretch this agreement to a decade. This is a clear indication of Arizona State’s commitment to their football program and their confidence in Dillingham’s leadership.
The timing of this contract couldn’t be more significant. Arizona State has just clinched the Big 12 title this season, marking their first outright conference championship since 1996. The Sun Devils are now gearing up to face Texas in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday. It’s a thrilling time for the program, and this new deal underscores the school’s ambition to remain a dominant force in the Big 12.
But what does this contract mean for the future of Arizona State football? For starters, the deal includes the addition of 20 more football scholarships next season, expanding the roster to 105 players. This expansion is a strategic move to bolster the team’s depth and competitiveness. Additionally, there’s an increased commitment to the coaching staff, ensuring that the Sun Devils have the resources they need to attract and retain top talent.
Arizona State’s rise to the top of the Big 12 is nothing short of remarkable. They were picked last in the preseason poll, ranked No. 16 overall, yet they defied expectations to claim the conference title. This significant commitment to Dillingham and the football program is a clear signal of the school’s determination to stay at the forefront of college football.
As one source with knowledge of the deal put it, “We are in the national conversation. We want to be committed to give our program the resources to stay in the national conversation and compete nationally for the best coaching talent and recruit the talent to compete at the highest level.”
Currently, Dillingham’s base salary is $4.05 million, placing him among the lower tier of Big 12 coaches. However, his success this season has already earned him more than $2.5 million in bonuses, elevating him near the top of the league in terms of total compensation. With expected academic bonuses and potential wins in the College Football Playoff, that bonus figure is projected to climb past $3 million.
In a heartwarming gesture, Dillingham famously gave away one of his bonuses—$200,000 for ASU’s ninth win—to members of the support staff. This new contract is expected to provide him with bonus money to distribute to his staff at his discretion, ensuring that it doesn’t come out of his own pocket.
Arizona State has also made significant investments in their football program, increasing the football operation budget by more than 45% in 2024 compared to 2023. The school has proactively secured the services of offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo and defensive coordinator Brian Ward with new three-year contracts, paying them an average of over a million dollars annually, which is among the highest in the Big 12 for coordinators.
In comparison, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy’s $7.75 million salary led all Big 12 coaches in 2024, despite a winless league play season. Dillingham’s new base salary is expected to place him in the top echelon of the league, with significant incentives for bonuses.
Dillingham’s journey to Arizona State is a story of passion and dedication. A Scottsdale native and ASU graduate, he has long considered the school his dream job. His career path, which included stops at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon, was always aimed at returning to ASU as head coach.
Reflecting on his journey, Dillingham said earlier this week, “The fit is so important. And me understanding the place here, I think it helped the fit and helped the transition because I just understand what the school and the city is about, and you’re recruiting to the school. So you want people who understand that like you understand it. I think my knowledge of the place definitely helped.”
Dillingham’s first year at ASU in 2023 was a challenging one, with the team finishing 3-9. However, the Sun Devils’ remarkable turnaround to an 11-win season and a Big 12 championship has been one of the most inspiring stories in college football. Their league title has earned them a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason.
- Arizona State’s new contract with Kenny Dillingham is a five-year deal with a pathway to extend to 10 years.
- The Sun Devils won the Big 12 this season, their first outright conference title since 1996.
- Dillingham’s base salary is $4.05 million, with potential bonuses pushing it higher.
- ASU plans to add 20 more football scholarships next season, expanding the roster to 105 players.
- The school has increased its football operation budget by more than 45% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
