Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham Emerges as Top Candidate for Michigan Coaching Job

The 32-year-old offensive mastermind could be the bold move the Wolverines need to turn their program around.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of dark blue, forest green, and burnt orange representing the dynamic action on the field.A bold, unconventional coaching hire could be the spark Michigan needs to revive its struggling football program.Memphis Today

The Michigan Wolverines are at a crossroads, and the decision they make on their next head coach could define their future for years to come. One name that has emerged as a top candidate is Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, a 32-year-old offensive coordinator who has quickly built a reputation as a turnaround artist, quarterback whisperer, and recruiting powerhouse.

Why it matters

Michigan's passing offense has been a weakness in recent seasons, ranking near the bottom of the FBS. Dillingham's track record of developing quarterbacks and coordinating high-powered, balanced offenses could be exactly what the Wolverines need to get their program back on track. However, hiring the young, up-and-coming coach would be a bold move that could pay off big or spark backlash from fans if he's unable to deliver results quickly.

The details

When Dillingham took over at Arizona State in 2023, the program was in disarray following sanctions and penalties from the Herm Edwards era. In his first season, the Sun Devils went just 3-9, but Dillingham quickly turned things around. By 2024, ASU went 11-3 in their first Big 12 season, earning Dillingham a runner-up spot for AP Coach of the Year. His overall record at ASU is 22-16, including an 8-4 mark this season. Dillingham is known as a quarterback whisperer, helping develop talents like Bo Nix at Auburn and Oregon, as well as Sam Leavitt at Arizona State. He's also a master of offensive balance, as evidenced by the success of ASU's rushing attack led by Cam Skattebo. Before ASU, Dillingham coordinated a record-breaking offense at Memphis in 2018. He's also considered a recruiting powerhouse, with the ability to connect with players and land top talent.

  • Dillingham took over as Arizona State's head coach in 2023.
  • In 2024, Dillingham led Arizona State to an 11-3 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
  • This season, Arizona State is 8-4 under Dillingham's leadership.

The players

Kenny Dillingham

The 32-year-old offensive coordinator at Arizona State, who has quickly built a reputation as a turnaround artist, quarterback developer, and recruiting powerhouse.

Bo Nix

The quarterback Dillingham helped develop at Auburn and Oregon, where Nix won SEC Freshman of the Year and threw for over 3,500 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2022.

Sam Leavitt

The dual-threat quarterback at Arizona State who led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024 under Dillingham's guidance.

Cam Skattebo

The running back who exploded for 1,711 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 45 receptions for 605 yards in 2024 under Dillingham's balanced offensive attack at Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“There's not many better in the sport that connect with players and recruits better than Kenny Dillingham.”

— Steve Wiltfong, Recruiting Analyst, Rivals

What’s next

The Michigan Wolverines will need to decide if Dillingham is the right fit to lead their program, weighing his impressive track record against the risk of hiring such a young, unproven head coach. If they do decide to pursue Dillingham, they will need to convince him to leave the success he's built at Arizona State after just a few seasons.

The takeaway

Kenny Dillingham's combination of offensive innovation, quarterback development, and recruiting prowess make him an intriguing candidate for the Michigan job. However, hiring the 32-year-old would be a bold move that could pay dividends or backfire if he's unable to quickly turn the Wolverines around. Michigan's decision on their next head coach will have major implications for the future of their storied program.