Current Head Coach and Age
As of the 2025 season, the Arizona State Sun Devils football program is led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, who was hired to replace Jedd Fisch after the 2022 season. Dillingham was born on March 10, 1990, making him 35 years old at the start of the 2025 season. He entered the 2025 campaign with multiple years remaining on his contract, following a 3–9 record in his inaugural season and a 4–8 record in his second. Below is a concise overview of key dates and metrics related to his hiring and tenure.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kenny Dillingham | University announcement / media reports |
| Date of birth | March 10, 1990 | Biographical records |
| Age at start of 2025 season | 35 years old | Derived from birth date |
| Hired | December 2022 | University press release |
| 2023 record | 3–9 | Official results |
| 2024 record | 4–8 | Official results |
| Contract status (as of 2025) | Multiyear deal, no extension announced | Media reporting |
Early Career and Playing Background
Kenny Dillingham played quarterback at Cumberland University from 2008 to 2012 before entering coaching. His early coaching stops included mentor roles and graduate assistant positions at several programs, which provided experience at multiple levels before he joined Arizona State. His pathway reflects a steady climb through college coaching ranks rather than a sudden jump to a head-coaching role at a Power-5 program.
Hiring Timeline at Arizona State
Jedd Fisch was hired as Arizona State’s head coach in 2021. After the 2022 season, the university chose to pursue new leadership and named Kenny Dillingham as head coach in December 2022. Dillingham’s first season was 2023, giving the program a fresh start with a coach in his 30s who emphasized culture and development. The timeline underscores a deliberate shift in philosophy and approach.
In-Season Performance and 2025 Outlook
Entering 2025, Dillingham faced expectations to improve from the 4–8 mark in 2024. Spring practices and early evaluations suggested continued emphasis on offensive development and quarterback competition. The 2025 schedule includes a mix of conference and nonconference tests that will shape the trajectory of his tenure. Because this is an ongoing season, statements about his long-term success remain provisional.
Comparison with Recent Arizona State Head Coaches
Understanding Dillingham’s age and experience is clearer when placed alongside his predecessors. The table below compares key attributes of recent Sun Devils head coaches to highlight how Dillingham’s background fits within the program’s recent history.
| Coach | Tenure | Age at Hire | Record at Arizona State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herm Edwards | 2018–2020 | 39 | 13–14 |
| Jedd Fisch | 2021–2022 | 45 | 7–17 |
| Kenny Dillingham | 2023–present | 33 | 7–17 (through 2024) |
Contract and Stability Factors
Coaching stability often hinges on contract terms and win–loss trends. Kenny Dillingham’s initial contract included standard buyout protections and incentives tied to bowl eligibility and revenue milestones. As of 2025, the university had not announced an extension, meaning his status beyond the current season remains tied to performance and internal evaluations. In the context of Sun Devils football history, his age is near the lower end of recent head coaches, which may align with a longer-term timeline if results trend positively.
What Influences Future Decisions
- Year-over-year win improvement
- Player development and NFL draft outcomes
- Recruiting rankings and resource allocation
- Alignment with conference competitiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Arizona State football coach?
Kenny Dillingham, hired in December 2022, is the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils football program as of the 2025 season.
How old is the Arizona State football coach?
Kenny Dillingham was born on March 10, 1990, making him 35 years old at the start of the 2025 season.
When was Kenny Dillingham hired by Arizona State?
Kenny Dillingham was hired in December 2022, following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Has his contract been extended?
As of the 2025 season, no public contract extension has been announced by Arizona State.
How does his age compare to recent predecessors?
Dillingham is younger than both Jedd Fisch (age 45 at hire) and Herm Edwards (age 39 at hire), placing him among the younger head coaches in recent program history.
Status and Next Steps
Kenny Dillingham remains the head coach of Arizona State football heading into future seasons, with his age and experience positioning him as a developmental leader in the program’s rebuild. Continued evaluation in 2025 and beyond will clarify whether the current trajectory leads to long-term stability or further change.
