Arizona State University has decided to part ways with head football coach Kenny Dillingham after just one season at the helm. Dillingham, who was hired in November 2022 to lead the Sun Devils, struggled to turn the program around in his inaugural year. Arizona State finished the 2023 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, marking a challenging year for both the team and Dillingham, who faced the pressure of rebuilding the program amidst NCAA sanctions and roster changes.
Dillingham, a native of Arizona, was seen as a promising choice when he was hired, given his background as an offensive coordinator with experience at Oregon and Memphis. His tenure, however, failed to meet expectations, as the Sun Devils experienced inconsistency on both sides of the ball. The team showed flashes of potential but ultimately could not produce a winning record, leading to speculation that change was necessary.
University officials acknowledged the challenges faced under Dillingham’s leadership but emphasized that the decision to part ways was made with the long-term vision of the program in mind. ASU athletic director Ray Anderson expressed gratitude for Dillingham’s hard work and dedication but noted the need for a new direction to restore the team to prominence in the competitive Pac-12 Conference.
The decision to dismiss Dillingham comes amid a broader wave of coaching changes across college football. Arizona State now embarks on a search for a new head coach who can lead the Sun Devils back to contention and provide stability for the future. The program’s focus will likely be on finding a leader who can address both immediate performance issues and long-term strategic goals.
