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Dillingham Addresses Michigan Rumors, Reaffirms ASU Commitment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 23:46 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Tempe, Arizona - February 4th, 2026 - Arizona State University head football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed swirling speculation connecting him to the vacant Michigan Wolverines head coaching position today, stemming from the departure of Jim Harbaugh to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. While acknowledging initial inquiries, Dillingham emphatically, though not unequivocally, reaffirmed his dedication to the Sun Devils and the ongoing rebuild in Tempe.

The rumors began almost immediately after Harbaugh's announcement, fueled by Dillingham's relatively young age, offensive acumen, and demonstrated recruiting potential. Michigan, a perennial college football powerhouse, represents a significant step up for many coaches, and Dillingham's name quickly surfaced in national discussions. During his weekly appearance on Fox Sports Arizona, Dillingham didn't shy away from addressing the situation directly.

"I've gotten calls, yeah," Dillingham admitted. "I'm not going to sit here and lie and say I haven't. But I've had no serious conversations with anybody. I'm not going to get into hypotheticals." This careful phrasing leaves the door slightly ajar, acknowledging contact without confirming any active pursuit of the Michigan job. He swiftly pivoted to emphasizing his current role, stating, "I'm the head coach at Arizona State University, and I'm committed to this program."

Dillingham is currently in his second season leading the Sun Devils, having been appointed in February 2023. The 2025 season, ASU's first in the Big 12 conference, proved challenging, finishing with a 4-8 overall record and a 1-11 conference mark. The team is still very much in a rebuilding phase, heavily impacted by the recruiting sanctions inherited from the previous coaching staff. These sanctions significantly hampered the program's ability to attract top talent and maintain a competitive roster, adding to the difficulties of establishing a winning culture. Despite these hurdles, Dillingham has demonstrated a clear vision for the program and a commitment to developing players.

The situation at Michigan is complicated. Sherrone Moore is currently serving as the interim head coach, guiding the Wolverines through their College Football Playoff Semifinal game against Alabama. While Moore is a popular figure within the program and a strong candidate for the permanent role, Michigan's athletic department is conducting a thorough search, evaluating a wide range of potential candidates, and Dillingham's name is certainly on that list.

Many analysts believe that Michigan is seeking a coach who can maintain the program's recent success - a national championship in 2023 - while also providing a long-term vision for sustained excellence. Dillingham's offensive philosophy, which focuses on a modern, pass-heavy attack, is attractive to many programs, including Michigan. His ability to connect with players and build relationships is also seen as a significant asset.

However, Dillingham seems keenly aware of the progress being made at Arizona State and the foundation he is laying. He repeatedly stressed his affection for the university, the community, and, most importantly, his players and coaching staff. "I love being the head coach at Arizona State," he said passionately. "I love this community. I love our players. I love our staff. I love the direction we're going. I'm committed to this program."

The key word, of course, is 'committed.' While Dillingham hasn't completely shut the door on the Michigan opportunity, his statements indicate a strong preference to continue his work in Tempe. The lure of coaching a program with Michigan's history and resources is undeniable, but Dillingham appears invested in the long-term project at Arizona State, viewing the challenges as opportunities to build something special. Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to weighing the immediate prestige and potential success at Michigan against the satisfaction of seeing the rebuild through at Arizona State. The next few weeks will be critical as Michigan's search intensifies and Dillingham continues to focus on preparing for the 2026 season with the Sun Devils.