REPORT: Arizona State football’s Kenny Dillingham hilarious admission about youthful appearance
Arizona State football head coach Kenny Dillingham has quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in college football. At just 34 years old, he’s the youngest head coach in the FBS. Under his leadership, the Sun Devils captured the Big 12 championship and earned a spot in the Peach Bowl. While they ultimately fell to Texas, the program’s future looks promising.
Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, Dillingham humorously addressed questions about his age. When Patrick asked how often his role as head coach is doubted at opposing stadiums, Dillingham quipped, “The way easier question is, ‘how often does that not happen?’ I mean, I look 12.”
Despite his youthful appearance, Dillingham brings a wealth of coaching experience to Tempe. He previously held positions at Memphis, Auburn, and Oregon, where he gained national recognition for revitalizing offenses. Ultimately, his desire to return home led him back to ASU, where he once played.
That passion has already paid dividends, as Dillingham guided the Sun Devils to their first trip to the College Football Playoff in the modern era, signaling a bright future for the program.
Kenny Dillingham is the baby-faced assassin for Arizona State football
Appearances can be misleading, and that’s certainly true for Kenny Dillingham. In just his second year as Arizona State football’s head coach, Dillingham orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football. His first season was riddled with challenges, including a self-imposed bowl ban and other lingering sanctions from the Herm Edwards era.
Despite the adversity, Dillingham embraced the challenge head-on. While the Sun Devils posted a disappointing 3-9 record in his debut season, it was clear that something special was brewing. Just one year later, Arizona State flipped the script, finishing 11-3, capturing the Big 12 championship, and proving doubters wrong after being picked to finish last. It was the ultimate underdog story.
Though the Sun Devils fell short in the Peach Bowl, their journey captured the admiration of fans across the nation. Dillingham’s genuine passion for his players, the game, and the university has won over many. Now, as they prepare to retool through the transfer portal, the Sun Devils are poised to sustain their momentum and aim for another shot at the College Football Playoff.
Dillingham has set a new standard in Tempe, turning Arizona State into a program defined by resilience, belief, and unity. The “baby-faced assassin” has quickly become a force in the coaching world, and with his leadership, the Sun Devils are primed to stay competitive. By maintaining their core values and roster strength, they’re positioned for another successful season ahead.