Kenny Dillingham shying away from preseason hype for Sun Devils
Arizona State Coach Kenny Dillingham glances up at the scoreboard during a replay review in the first half against Kansas State Saturday November 16, 2024 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
ORLANDO — Although the Sun Devils are receiving a ton of praise after winning the Big 12 Title last season, it’s making their head coach uncomfortable as he approaches year three with the program.
Kenny Dillingham understands what comes with the territory of having success in a short amount of time though. After all, Arizona State started out dead last in the 2024 Big 12 preseason media poll, but eventually climbed all they way to the top of the conference. The Sun Devils won 11 games for the first time since 1996, and made their first-ever, appearance in the Playoffs.
Dillingham sat briefly with Kansas Coach Lance Leipold for Big 12 Spring Meetings in Orlando Thursday afternoon. They discussed the present and future of the conference, and Dillingham even doubled-down on his dislike for the spotlight to media members.
“It’s naturally motivating for people to say you suck, and it’s way more difficult for people to say you’re good,” Dillingham said. “I’m not the one who usually likes the limelight when people are telling me that I’m good anyway, so to me it’s more uncomfortable.”
All of the preseason love shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering Dillingham will be fielding his best team yet. Despite losing All-American rusher Cam Skattebo, Arizona State returns a plethora of elite players on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, wideout Jordyn Tyson and defensive tackle C.J. Fite are arguably the best at their position in the Big 12.
The Sun Devils will likely be a preseason AP top-10 team in August because of it, which hasn’t happened since 1998. All of the recognition is deserving in Dillingham’s mind, but he prefers to emerge from the shadows instead of dealing with lofty expectations.
“I much rather be an underdog, or try to be somebody that people count out,” he said. “So I’d say this is definitely uncomfortable with always getting positive praise.”
It’s easy for all of the outside noise to consume the minds of his players, which several coaches consider rat poison. The Sun Devils haven’t played a meaningful snap yet, so they still have a lot to prove to Dillingham. Regardless of the matter, it’s his responsibility to keep his players hungry, and not complacent. The reigning Big 12 Champs will have huge targets on their backs, and Dillingham knows they won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time around.
“I would prefer it to be all about the players, and for me to try to navigate our players,” the 35-year old said. “Make sure they stay focused on them trying to be the best versions of themselves.”
College football is evolving with roster limitations, and the transfer portal, but coaches now have the ability to change their rosters overnight. It’s obvious Dillingham has Arizona State trending in the right direction, bringing high anticipation for year three. However, underachieving isn’t hard to do. Not to mention the schedule is favorable, with the Sun Devils having seven home games, including five in Big 12 play.
At the end of the day, the fans believe Arizona State has what it takes to repeat. Now the youngest head coach in the Big 12 has three more months to prepare his team, and show the world that last year’s success was no fluke.
