How Old Is Arizona State Football Coach Kenny Dillingham?

By Sarah Miller · February 25, 2034

Arizona State football head coach Kenny Dillingham is 34 years old as of 2025, making him one of the youngest head coaches in Power Five college football.

Who Is Arizona State's Head Football Coach?

Kenny Dillingham, the current head coach of the Arizona State University football team, was born on January 11, 1990. As of 2025, he is 34 years old. Appointed in December 2022, Dillingham quickly emerged as a dynamic leader in college football, known for his innovative offensive strategies and youthful energy. His age places him among the youngest head coaches in the NCAA's Power Five conferences, reflecting a trend toward hiring younger, progressive minds in major college programs.

Background and Coaching Career

Early Life and Playing Career

Dillingham played quarterback at Florida State University, where he began his coaching journey as a student assistant under Jimbo Fisher. His early exposure to high-level college football helped shape his strategic mindset and leadership style.

Coaching Journey Before Arizona State

Served as offensive coordinator at Auburn (2020–2021)
Worked as quarterbacks coach at Oregon (2017–2019)
Began his full-time coaching career at Memphis (2012–2016), rising from graduate assistant to offensive coordinator
Instrumental in developing high-powered offenses throughout his career

Leadership at Arizona State

Hired in December 2022 at just 32 years old, Dillingham became the youngest head coach in the Big 12 Conference upon ASU's entry in 2024. His appointment marked a bold shift for the Sun Devils, emphasizing modern offensive schemes, player engagement, and culture transformation.

Key Achievements

Directed ASU to a 11–3 record in 2024, their best season in over a decade
Guided the team to a major bowl victory and top-15 national ranking
Revitalized recruiting, securing top-tier talent across Arizona and nationally
Pioneered use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives to strengthen roster depth

Coach	Age (as of 2025)	Current Team	Year Hired	Contract Length
Kenny Dillingham	34	Arizona State	2022	6 years
Dave Aranda	48	Baylor	2020	6 years
Deion Sanders	57	Colorado	2023	5 years
Lincoln Riley	41	USC	2022	6 years
Shane Beamer	47	South Carolina	2021	6 years

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table highlights that Kenny Dillingham is significantly younger than most of his Power Five peers, with only a few coaches under 40 leading major programs. His youth contrasts with more experienced counterparts like Deion Sanders and Dave Aranda, underscoring Arizona State's commitment to innovation and long-term program building. Despite his age, Dillingham's contract length indicates strong institutional confidence.

Why Age Matters in College Football Coaching

In today's evolving landscape, younger coaches like Dillingham bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and closer alignment with Generation Z athletes. They often emphasize analytics, social media engagement, and modern offensive systems such as the spread and RPO-based attacks.

Younger coaches tend to be more adaptable to rule changes and technological integration
They often have stronger connections with current player culture and NIL dynamics
Age can correlate with energy, work ethic, and willingness to take creative risks

However, experience remains valuable in managing pressure, game-day decisions, and long-term program development. Dillingham balances youth with mentorship from seasoned assistants, creating a hybrid leadership model.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona State Football Coach

How old is Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham?

Kenny Dillingham is 34 years old as of 2025. He was born on January 11, 1990, making him one of the youngest head coaches in Power Five football.

When was Kenny Dillingham hired as ASU's head coach?

Kenny Dillingham was hired as Arizona State's head football coach in December 2022, officially beginning his tenure ahead of the 2023 season.

What is Kenny Dillingham's coaching background?

Dillingham served as offensive coordinator at Auburn and Memphis, worked at Oregon under Mario Cristobal, and started his career as a graduate assistant. He has extensive experience in developing high-tempo, pass-oriented offenses.

What is Kenny Dillingham's salary?

As of 2024, Kenny Dillingham's annual base salary is approximately $2.5 million, with incentives tied to performance, bowl appearances, and academic success.

Has Kenny Dillingham won any awards as ASU's coach?

While still early in his tenure, Dillingham was a finalist for the 2024 AP College Football Coach of the Year after leading ASU to an 11–3 record and a top-15 finish.