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Dillingham Addresses Michigan Rumors, Remains Committed to ASU

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 23:58 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Arizona, Michigan, UNITED STATES

Tempe, AZ - February 3, 2026 - Arizona State University head football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed the swirling rumors linking him to the recently vacated Michigan head coaching position on Monday, striking a balance between acknowledging the prestige of the opportunity and reaffirming his commitment to the Sun Devils. While stopping short of a complete denial, Dillingham emphasized his dedication to the ongoing rebuilding project in Tempe.

"I'm the head football coach at Arizona State University. I'm 100 percent committed to Arizona State University and what we're doing here," Dillingham stated during his weekly press conference. He then cautiously added, "I'm not going to sit here and say that I'm never going to coach at the University of Michigan. I'm not going to say that I'm never going to coach at any other place. I'm committed to Arizona State. And that's where my focus is."

The speculation arose following the dismissal of Jim Harbaugh on Saturday, a consequence of a significant sign-stealing scandal that has rocked the college football world. Michigan, a program steeped in tradition and consistently competitive, is now embarking on a search for a new leader, and Dillingham's name quickly surfaced as a potential candidate.

This isn't entirely surprising. Dillingham, despite inheriting a program marred by sanctions and instability, has begun to demonstrate a clear vision for Arizona State. His second season at the helm has seen the Sun Devils post a 3-8 record, a mark that doesn't fully reflect the progress being made under challenging circumstances. The record isn't about wins and losses alone, but about laying a foundation.

A Program in Transition

When Dillingham took over, Arizona State was reeling. The program faced NCAA sanctions related to recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the roster depleted and the future uncertain. Dillingham hasn't shied away from the difficult task of rebuilding, emphasizing a culture of accountability, player development, and a return to fundamental football principles. The 2025 season, recently concluded, showed glimmers of hope, with increased competitiveness in several games and a noticeable improvement in team chemistry.

One of Dillingham's most lauded accomplishments has been his recruiting prowess. He's managed to attract promising talent to Tempe despite the program's recent difficulties, focusing on building relationships with high school coaches and identifying players who fit his system. The 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked within the top 30 nationally, a significant leap forward for a program previously struggling to compete on the recruiting trail. Several analysts attribute this success to Dillingham's genuine personality and his ability to connect with players and their families.

Michigan's Appeal vs. ASU's Potential

The Michigan job represents a different kind of opportunity - a chance to immediately contend for national championships with a program already equipped with top-tier facilities and a passionate fanbase. However, accepting that position would mean abandoning the momentum Dillingham is building at Arizona State. Many believe Dillingham sees a longer-term, more impactful project in Tempe.

"He's building something special here," remarked Pac-12 Network analyst, Yogi Stewart. "Michigan is a fantastic program, no doubt, but Kenny has a unique opportunity to be the architect of a resurgence at ASU. That's a legacy-defining chance."

Furthermore, the shadow of the Harbaugh scandal looms large over the Michigan position. The next head coach will be tasked not only with winning games but also with restoring the program's reputation and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. This added pressure might be a deterrent for some coaches, but Dillingham's commitment to doing things "the right way" could make him an attractive candidate if he were to change his stance.

The Future in Tempe

For now, Dillingham remains focused on Arizona State. He's expected to announce several key coaching hires in the coming weeks and is already planning for the 2026 season. The Sun Devils face a challenging schedule, but Dillingham believes the program is on the cusp of a breakthrough.

The University and its athletic department are reportedly fully supportive of Dillingham and are eager to see him continue the rebuild. A strong showing in the 2026 season could solidify Dillingham's position as the long-term head coach and silence any remaining speculation about his future. The coming months will be crucial as Dillingham balances navigating national attention with the demands of leading a program striving for success.