TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) – Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham is set to receive a significant salary increase after the Sun Devils’ surprising advancement to the College Football Playoff.
On Thursday, the Arizona Board of Regents approved a contract extension for Dillingham that runs through 2029, raising his salary to 5.8millionforthisyear,witha 100,000 raise each January 1st for the remainder of the contract. Last season, he earned $ 4.1 million.
The contract features additional one-year extensions and raises contingent on achieving specific milestones, including up to a $ 450,000 increase for reaching an 11-win season.
At just 34 years old, Dillingham has led one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football, transforming the previously struggling Sun Devils, who finished the prior season with just three wins, into the No. 10 team. Arizona State made it to the Peach Bowl this New Year’s Day, facing No. 4 Texas, and staged an impressive comeback in the CFP quarterfinals, ultimately falling 39-31 in double overtime.
Throughout the season, Dillingham earned various bonuses, culminating in a Big 12 championship in the Sun Devils’ inaugural season in the conference, where they were expected to finish last according to preseason predictions.
Dillingham became the youngest head coach in the FBS when he took charge of the Arizona State program at age 33 last year. Despite facing significant injuries and an NCAA investigation stemming from the hiring of former coach Herm Edwards, he successfully steered the team to its first-ever appearance in the CFP after winning six consecutive games. His strategic decision to recruit quarterback Sam Leavitt from the transfer portal, along with effectively utilizing standout running back Cam Skattebo, who placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, has paid off handsomely.
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