Brief Introduction of Kenny Dillingham
Kenny Dillingham is a prominent American football coach, currently serving as the head coach for the Arizona State University Sun Devils. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, he is celebrated for his innovative offensive strategies and his deep-rooted connection to the state and university. Dillingham’s career is marked by a rapid ascent through the coaching ranks, beginning at the high school level at just 17 years old. His journey came full circle when he was named the head coach of his alma mater, making him The first alumnus to lead the Sun Devils in the modern era. Known for his energetic and passionate coaching style, Dillingham has quickly made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in college football.
Kenny Dillingham Overview
| Full Name | Kenneth Dillingham |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Brianna Dillingham (née Plimpton) |
| Family | John Dillingham (Father), Gerry Dillingham (Mother), Kent Dillingham (Son) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20.25 million |
Early Life and Education of Kenny Dillingham
Kenny Dillingham was born on April 28, 1990, in Phoenix, Arizona, to parents John and Gerry Dillingham. Growing up in Scottsdale, he was immersed in a family of passionate Arizona State University supporters. His father, John, became a devoted fan shortly after moving to Arizona in 1980, and the family frequently attended Sun Devil games, creating a deep-seated love for the team in young Kenny. In fact, his first ASU game experience at the age of six was the team’s historic 19-0 upset victory over the top-ranked Nebraska in 1996. This early exposure to the excitement of college football in his hometown laid the foundation for his future career aspirations. Dillingham attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. His playing career was cut short by a torn ACL during his senior year, an event that pivoted his focus from playing to coaching at the age of 17. While coaching at his high school alma mater, he pursued higher education at Arizona State University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Kenny Dillingham’s Career
Kenny Dillingham’s coaching journey began unexpectedly at the age of 17 after a career-ending ACL injury. He started as a coach for the junior varsity team at his alma mater, Chaparral High School. His passion and acumen for the game were quickly recognized, and by the age of 21, he was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator for the varsity team. His success at the high school level led to an opportunity at his beloved Arizona State University in 2014, where he was hired as an offensive assistant under the guidance of then-offensive coordinator Mike Norvell.
In 2016, Dillingham followed Norvell to the University of Memphis, initially as a graduate assistant. He was soon promoted to quarterbacks and tight ends coach in 2017 and then to offensive coordinator in 2018. At Memphis, his offensive schemes were highly effective, with the team breaking program records for total offense and rushing yards in 2018.
His burgeoning reputation as a brilliant offensive mind led him to Auburn University in 2019, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. There, he played a crucial role in the development of quarterback Bo Nix, who was named the SEC Rookie of the Year. Following his stint at Auburn, Dillingham reunited with Mike Norvell at Florida State University, serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2020 to 2021.
In 2022, he took on the same role at the University of Oregon, where he once again demonstrated his ability to lead a high-powered offense, which ranked among the best in the nation.
The pinnacle of his career came in November 2022, when he was named the 26th head coach of Arizona State University. This appointment was a homecoming for Dillingham, making him the first alumnus and native Arizonan to lead the Sun Devil football program in the modern era. In a remarkable turnaround, he led a team projected to finish last in the Big 12 to a conference championship in his second season.
Kenny Dillingham Personal Life & Family
Kenny Dillingham is a family man, deeply rooted in his Arizona upbringing. He is married to Brianna Dillingham, whose maiden name is Plimpton. The couple’s love story began at Chaparral High School, where they met when Kenny was a senior and Brianna was a junior. Their relationship continued to blossom as they both attended Arizona State University, where Brianna was a member of the varsity dance team. They tied the knot in February 2018. The couple has one child, a son named Kent, who was born in October 2021. Dillingham’s parents, John and Gerry Dillingham, have been a significant influence in his life, instilling in him a love for Arizona State from a very young age. His family’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his journey to becoming the head coach of his hometown team.
Awards and Achievements of Kenny Dillingham
- Big 12 Coach of the Year (2024)
- Nominee for the Broyles Award, presented to the top assistant coach in college football (2022)
- Led Memphis to program records in total offense and rushing yards as offensive coordinator (2018)
- Coached SEC Rookie of the Year, Bo Nix, at Auburn (2019)
- Guided Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship (2024)
- Frank Kush Coach of the Year (2025)
- Bear Bryant Awards Fan Favorite Coach of the Week (November 2024)
Kenny Dillingham Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Kenny Dillingham’s net worth is estimated to be around $20.25 million. After a highly successful season that saw him lead Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship, he received a significant contract extension. His new deal is set to pay him $5.8 million in 2025, a substantial raise from his previous salary. His contract is heavily incentivized, with opportunities to earn significant bonuses based on the team’s performance, including wins and playoff appearances. His initial contract as head coach had a base salary starting at $3.85 million. Dillingham’s earnings are a testament to his rapid success and the high value he brings as one of the nation’s top young football coaches.
Legacy and Influence
At a young age, Kenny Dillingham has already crafted a significant legacy as a transformative figure in college football, particularly at his alma mater, Arizona State University. His appointment as the first alumnus to lead the Sun Devils in the modern era has reignited a deep sense of pride and connection within the community. His energetic and innovative approach to coaching has not only yielded impressive results on the field, including a remarkable Big 12 Championship victory but has also revitalized the program’s culture. Dillingham is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant and innovative offensive minds in the sport, known for developing dynamic and high-scoring offenses at every stop in his career. His ability to connect with and develop young talent is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, fostering an environment where players can thrive. As the youngest head coach in Power Five football, he represents a new generation of leadership in the sport.
Interesting Facts about Kenny Dillingham
- He began his coaching career at the remarkably young age of 17 after an injury ended his playing days.
- Dillingham is the first head coach born in the 1990s to lead a team to a bowl game.
- He attended his first Arizona State football game at age six, a memorable 19-0 upset win over No. 1 ranked Nebraska.
- His wife, Brianna, has commented on his impressive mathematical abilities, which he applies to quickly analyze game statistics.
- He once told a former ASU head coach, Todd Graham, as a young graduate assistant, that he wanted his job one day.
- He is known for his active and engaging presence on social media.
Controversies
Kenny Dillingham’s tenure as a head coach has been relatively free of major controversies. However, he has faced some public scrutiny on a couple of occasions. In one instance, he faced backlash for comments made about the accommodation challenges his team faced in Starkville, Mississippi, which some Mississippi State fans interpreted as a slight against their town. He later acknowledged the town’s hospitality. On another occasion, he publicly criticized his team’s kicker, which drew some negative attention. He subsequently apologized for his remarks. More recently, his passionate plea for fans to contribute to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collectives to support player compensation stirred some debate about the role of fan funding in college athletics.
Social Media Presence
- Twitter (X) – @KennyDillingham
Final Words about Kenny Dillingham
Kenny Dillingham’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-seated love for his hometown and alma mater. His journey from a teenage coach at a local high school to the head coach of a major Power Five program is a testament to his dedication and innovative approach to the game of football. He has not only achieved his dream of leading the Arizona State Sun Devils but has also elevated the program to new heights with a conference championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. As he continues to build his legacy, Kenny Dillingham is poised to be a significant and influential figure in college football for years to come. His ability to inspire his players and connect with the community has created a palpable sense of excitement and optimism around the future of Sun Devil football.
