Kenny Dillingham doesn't fully shut the door on Michigan

Jeff Hauser

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Kenny Dillingham doesn't fully shut the door on Michigan image

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham did little to quiet speculation linking him to Michigan’s vacant head coaching job, even as he reiterated his affection for his alma mater and current program.

Dillingham addressed the rumors Tuesday after explaining his limited use of social media, noting he rarely scrolls through posts and only responds to messages sent directly to him by people in his personal life.

The topic came up as Arizona State fans reacted online to reports connecting the 35-year-old coach to Michigan’s opening following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore.

When asked directly whether he wanted to ease concerns about his future, Dillingham struck a careful balance.

“I think my job is to do whatever I can for the people who are with me. The people in the foxhole, the coaches in the foxhole with me,” Dillingham said. “I got to do whatever I can to fight for those people, for my family, for everything from that perspective. I love it here. I’ve said that since day one. That’s absolutely never changing.”

The response was polished and thought out, particularly for a coach early in his head coaching career. Dillingham reaffirmed his commitment to Arizona State without explicitly closing the door on other opportunities. He did not say he would refuse outside interest, nor did he state that he would not consider another job if contacted.

From Michigan’s perspective, the absence of a firm denial leaves room to explore whether Dillingham would entertain discussions. For Arizona State, this is the reality of modern college football, where success often brings immediate pressure to retain coaches through enhanced compensation, staff salary pools and NIL support.

Dillingham is a Scottsdale, Arizona native and ASU alum. He has consistently spoken about the appeal of raising his family in the Phoenix area and building something long-term at his home program. That connection remains Arizona State’s strongest advantage.

Michigan offers something few programs can right now. A proven path to competing for national championships on the sport’s biggest stage. In an era shaped by NIL and the transfer portal, that combination carries weight.

Dillingham did not reveal his long-term intentions. What he did show was an understanding of leverage and timing. By neither committing nor dismissing the possibility outright, he ensured his options remain open and that both sides are paying attention.

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Editorial Team