In a decisive move that could reshape Arizona State’s football destiny, head coach Kenny Dillingham signed a five-year contract extension on Saturday, raising his pay to an average of $7.5 million a year and giving assistants a combined salary pool of $11 million.
New Contract Details
The extension lifts Dillingham’s average annual salary to $7.5 million and expands the assistant-coach salary pool to $11 million-one of the largest in the Big 12. The deal is set to run for five years.
Coaching Stability and Support
Dillingham told reporters after Saturday’s practice that “The support of this season has stepped up a ton. Our university stepped up.” He added that his goal had always been “long-term commitment to our staff, to our program, to the commitment to try be competitive in this crazy world (of college football).” The move comes after rumors of other offers, including a brief interest from Michigan following Sherrone Moore’s dismissal. Athletic director Graham Rossini praised the coach, saying “This was always the goal; secure generational leadership right here at ASU. 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!”
Impact on Program and Fan Base
Dillingham, who became the youngest FBS head coach when hired at 32, led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff in his first full season, earning a prior five-year extension that raised his first-year salary to $5.8 million. Despite injuries to key players like quarterback Sam Leavitt and All-American Jordyn Tyson, the team remained in contention for a return to the Big 12 title game until late in the season. The Sun Devils sold out every home game, finished the regular season 8-4, and earned a spot in the December 31 Sun Bowl against Duke.
Dillingham emphasized the importance of staff, saying “Our staff wins. I’ve said this over and over. Them and our players are what have got us to this point. They’re a vital piece and I think they deserve to be taken care of.”
Key Takeaways
- Five-year extension raises Dillingham’s average salary to $7.5 million and boosts assistant pool to $11 million.
- The contract solidifies ASU’s commitment to long-term coaching stability amid rumors of other opportunities.
- Dillingham’s leadership has driven record fan engagement, an 8-4 record, and a bowl berth, setting the stage for continued success.
Arizona State now has the financial backing to maintain its competitive trajectory and keep the Sun Devils on a path toward further achievements.
