In a bold move that’s sending shockwaves across the college football world, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has reportedly rejected massive contract offers from powerhouse programs LSU and Penn State — each worth a staggering $15 million.
Sources close to the situation say both schools made aggressive pushes for Dillingham after his remarkable turnaround at Arizona State. In just his second season, he transformed the Sun Devils from a 3–9 rebuilding project into Big 12 champions and a College Football Playoff contender, earning a reputation as one of the brightest young coaching minds in the sport.
But for Dillingham, the decision came down to loyalty and vision.
> “I came here to build something special — not to chase the biggest paycheck,” he reportedly told team insiders. “We’ve started a journey in Tempe, and I’m not leaving before it’s finished.”
The refusal of two of the biggest programs in college football underscores just how committed Dillingham is to the ASU community. It’s also a sign that the Sun Devils, long considered underdogs in the national conversation, are now a destination worth staying for.
For fans in Tempe, this isn’t just about keeping their coach — it’s about keeping their dream alive. With Dillingham at the helm, the Sun Devils are not only competing with the best, they’re making it clear they intend to stay there.
Discussion:
Do you think Dillingham made the right move turning down $15 million?
Could this loyalty spark an even bigger run for Arizona State in the next few seasons?
