Arizona State announced Saturday that coach Kenny Dillingham has signed a new five-year contract extension, keeping him in Tempe amid speculation linking him to the Michigan head coaching vacancy.
Dillingham said he was never offered the Michigan job, contradicting national reports about his candidacy for the position.
“I never got offered a job,” Dillingham said. “None of that ever, ever happened, and it never got to that point.”
The new deal raises Dillingham’s compensation to approximately $7.5 million per season. Arizona State also expanded the program’s staff payroll to roughly $11 million, placing it among the highest in the Big 12.
The agreement represents a significant institutional commitment from Arizona State. It effectively removes Dillingham from consideration for Michigan’s opening.
“Michigan’s an unbelievable job with unlimited resources,” Dillingham said. “Somebody’s going to get an unbelievable opportunity … to take over one of the best programs in the country.”
Dillingham, 34, returned to Arizona State in late 2022 after serving as offensive coordinator at Auburn, Florida State and Oregon.
He led the Sun Devils to the 2024 Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Arizona State followed that breakthrough season with an 8-4 record in 2025.
Reports had suggested Michigan contacted multiple coaches following Sherrone Moore’s dismissal. Dillingham said those reports overstated the level of contact between him and Michigan officials.
Michigan’s coaching search began after Moore was fired for cause on December 10 amid alleged off-field conduct issues.
With bowl season approaching and the transfer portal window opening in three weeks, Dillingham’s commitment removes a high-profile candidate from Michigan’s search. The Wolverines continue evaluating other potential candidates for the position.
