With Michigan’s head coaching job widely considered one of the premier positions in college football, Kenny Dillingham has emerged as one of the early favorites for the role, according to College Football national analyst Josh Pate.
“Kenny Dillingham, for most college football fans, is a guy who they’ve heard sound bites from,” Pate said on ESPN’s Get Up. “He’s the guy that took Arizona State to the playoffs last year.”
Arizona State’s inaugural season in the Big 12 was nothing short of remarkable, as the Sun Devils captured the conference title and earned the No. 4 overall seed in the College Football Playoff.
“He’s done a whole lot more, with a whole lot less,” Pate added. “Like Matt Campbell to Penn State, I’d just imagine Michigan resources being handed to Kenny Dillingham. So, he’s actually the name I’d circle.”
Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Arizona State still managed to post an 8-4 record and secure its second consecutive bowl appearance. The Sun Devils notched two wins over ranked opponents, including a statement victory over No. 7 Texas Tech.
As Michigan begins its search for a new leader of the program, Dillingham’s name has surfaced among several potential candidates mentioned by national analysts.
While no formal list of targets has been confirmed, his rapid success at Arizona State, highlighted by a Big 12 title and CFP appearance, has positioned him as a coach to watch in this cycle.
The Wolverines finished the 2025 season at 9-3 and missed the playoff, adding urgency to the program’s next move.
