In a shocking and unexpected turn of events, Arizona State Sun Devils head coach, Kenny Dillingham, announced today that he will not be returning for the 2025 season. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through the Arizona State community and the broader college football world, comes as a result of both personal and professional reasons, as Dillingham cited the need to prioritize his health and personal life moving forward.
“I am done,” Dillingham said during an emotional press conference at Sun Devil Stadium. “After a lot of reflection and discussions with my family, I’ve made the very difficult decision to step away from coaching. I will not be coaching the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 2025 season. This decision is made for both personal and professional reasons. I need to take a step back, focus on my well-being, and reevaluate what I want out of my future.”
Dillingham, 34, took over as the head coach of the Sun Devils in December 2022, inheriting a program that had been through a period of turmoil. Arizona State had struggled with consistent performance in recent years, and Dillingham was seen as a promising young coach who could bring stability and success to the program. His high-energy leadership and innovative offensive strategies were welcomed by the Sun Devils’ faithful, who were eager for a new chapter after the departure of former head coach Herm Edwards.
Despite a challenging first season in 2023, Dillingham’s ability to connect with his players and rebuild the team’s culture earned him respect within the Pac-12 Conference and beyond. However, this season has been far from smooth sailing. Arizona State, while showing some flashes of potential, has faced a number of setbacks, including injuries and difficulties in recruiting. The team’s performance on the field has been inconsistent, leading to increased pressure on Dillingham and his staff.
Many fans and pundits believed that 2024 would be a pivotal year for Dillingham’s tenure. Yet, even as Arizona State started to show some signs of improvement, the pressures of coaching at a Power Five program took a toll. “This profession is incredibly demanding, and the stress associated with it can be overwhelming,” Dillingham admitted. “It’s a constant grind, and it’s not just about the X’s and O’s; it’s about the people you lead, the decisions you make, and the sacrifices that come with the job. At the end of the day, you have to take care of yourself first.”
Dillingham’s decision to step down comes at a time when Arizona State is looking to the future. With the Sun Devils in a rebuilding phase, the university will now have to search for a new head coach who can continue to develop the program. Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson expressed his understanding of Dillingham’s decision, calling it a difficult but necessary one.
“We fully support Coach Dillingham’s decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Anderson said in a statement. “We appreciate the work he has done in his short time with us, and we are grateful for the leadership and energy he brought to the Sun Devils. Arizona State University remains committed to building a championship-caliber football program, and we will now begin the search for our next head coach who will carry that vision forward.”
Dillingham’s sudden departure has left the Arizona State fanbase reeling, with many expressing disappointment, confusion, and concern over the future of the program. While the Sun Devils have seen some progress under his leadership, it is clear that this move represents a major setback for the program. However, Dillingham emphasized that he was leaving with no ill will and remained grateful for his time in Tempe.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to lead this team and for the relationships I’ve built here,” Dillingham concluded. “I’ll always cherish my time with the Sun Devils and wish them nothing but success moving forward.”
The Sun Devils now face an uncertain future as they look to find a new head coach who can continue to build the program in the competitive Pac-12 landscape.
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