Michigan Football Didn't Offer Head Coaching Job, Kenny Dillingham Says
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The Arizona State Sun Devils kept head coach Kenny Dillingham in Tempe, Arizona with a five-year, $7.5 million contract extension Saturday that came amid intense rounds of rumors and interest surrounding the Michigan Wolverines‘ camp.
Dillingham led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff last season and an 8-4 record this season despite missing QB Sam Leavitt, one of the heroes of last season’s team, for five games.
Dillingham cited proximity to family and his love for the ASU job among his reasons for staying in Tempe.
On Saturday, he also revealed a surprising bit of information on Michigan’s ultimate decision regarding its courtship of him.
Dillingham Drops Bombshell on Michigan Interest
Dillingham said that Michigan did not offer him a contract according to SunDevilSource.com.
“For me, I never got offered the job,” he said according to the website.
“None of that ever got to that point, but it’s an awesome place with unlimited resources.
“Somebody is going to get an unbelievable opportunity to take over one of the best rosters in the country,” Dillingham added.
Fans React to Dillingham Michigan Quote
Fans had a wide spectrum of reactions to the Dillingham quote.
“Classy comments,” one person said.
“As a Michigan fan, much respect to your coach and program.”
“Don’t show this to Buckeye fans,” another said.
“Michigan wasn’t going to offer the job to KD unless they knew he would take it,” another said.
“They will offer now, and say well we tried,” another joked.
“Maybe this is KD being kind and helping Michigan save face,” another said, adding that they were upset about the lack of an offer.
“He would have taken the offer man,” another said. “We didn’t even offer. Dudes in charge at Michigan are destroying this program.”
Additional candidates left for Michigan to pursue include Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, interim Wolverines coach Biff Poggi, Washington coach Jedd Fisch, Louisville coach Jeff Brohm and others.
DeBoer led the Crimson Tide to a win in round one of the College Football Playoff in Norman, Oklahoma against the Sooners on Friday night.
He has said he plans to coach Alabama in 2026 but remains a candidate to lead the Wolverines according to many media pundits.
Biff Poggi’s return has gotten support from current Michigan players and has been seen as a possibility given his standing with the team.
Minter is seen as someone in pursuit of an NFL head coaching job but has ties to the Wolverines as the defensive coordinator of their 2023-24 National Championship team.
Related: Michigan Captain Makes Firm Statement on Future Plans
Related: Michigan Loses ‘Great Player’ to SEC School After Sherrone Moore Scandal
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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