Kenny Dillingham Declines Michigan Interview Request, Will Meet With Alabama, USC
Dillingham described the interviews as 'exploratory' at best
The Devil's Due Mailbag — Coach Carousel Update 
By Diego Alfaro
Published: December 7th, 2026
The vultures have started circling Tempe, ladies and gentlemen.
Last year, it was just the Michigan Wolverines looking to pluck the Sun Devils' own Kenny Dillingham.
The Wolverines have returned to pursue the target that eluded them last year, but this time, they've got competition.
One day after one of the bloodier Black Sundays in recent memory, the phones in Tempe started ringing. By the end of Monday, December 7th, Kenny Dillingham had interviews with a pair of collegiate blue bloods, although a third was hoping for their own seat at the table.
It appears, at least for now, that the Michigan Wolverines are going 0/2 in the Dilly sweepstakes after the fourth-year head coach declined to interview with the Wolverines.
"He told them he was flattered by the request, as he did last year, but declined to further pursue any future employment with the University of Michigan," said a representative speaking on behalf of Dillingham.
Dillingham's decline of the Wolverines could read as the coach continuing to stay committed to his alma mater, Arizona State, but Sam Acho, speaking on ESPN's College Football Live, doesn't read it that way.
"I could see how Arizona State fans could frame this as a win for them. 'He stayed loyal, he turned them down.' But let's be real. He turned down Michigan. Sure. He's taking an interview with USC. He's taking an interview with Alabama."
"All turning down Michigan does is reinforce that while Michigan thinks they are elite, they're still a class below other traditional blue bloods, at least in the eyes of the community. The fact he took those other interviews tells me more than anything that he is seriously considering leaving Tempe."
When Wendi Nix asked why Dillingham would consider leaving after signing an extension and turning down Michigan a year ago, Acho doubled down.
"That hometown vibe only lasts when you're winning. You win, everything is good. The gravy train is rolling. You're the most beloved person in the state. Then you drop off for a season. Still a good season, but not great. They give you an extension to stay, invest in the staff how you request. Yet, you take another step back. You watch your star quarterback leave for LSU—where he is a Heisman finalist, by the way, and in the College Football Playoff—and you start to think: would it be different somewhere with more resources, more clout?"
"I think that's what is going through Kenny Dillingham's head now. ASU gave him what he thought he needed, and it wasn't enough. They went 7-5 this year. They're a mid-major Power 4 team. They'll have a good season or two, recruit an elite player. Then, they'll get poached, because they can't outspend Alabama, or LSU, or USC. And you'll be rebuilding again."
As much as I hate to admit it, Acho isn't wrong.
We'd be silly to convince ourselves that Arizona State can outspend USC, or Alabama. And I agree. His willingness to interview with those programs while turning down Michigan doesn't paint a picture of unwavering commitment. Instead, it shows me someone who is being selective. He doesn't want to leave Arizona State. He said that much last year. His family is here, and he considers this home.
But if the right offer came along?
I think, as a grown man, you can't turn it down.
If Dilly leaves, I hold nothing against him. He came in and revitalized a program that was stagnating. He took us to the playoff and gave us special moments.
I implore Sun Devil fans everywhere, if Dillingham does choose to go to Tuscaloosa or Los Angeles, let's not tear him down. Let's celebrate the man who started as a coffee boy and became one of the most sought-after coaches in the country.
Notable Scheduled Coaching Interviews:
Shane Beamer (South Carolina), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), Rhett Lashlee (SMU)
Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Kalen DeBoer (Fired), Josh Heupel (Tennessee)
Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), Kalen DeBoer (Fired)
Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Steve Sarkisian (Texas), Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State)
