Arizona State University (ASU) finds itself at a crossroads. The future of its leadership and athletic programs hangs in the balance.
Right now, the spotlight is on Kenny Dillingham, the passionate head football coach who’s caught the eye of powerhouse programs like Michigan. Whether he stays or goes will shape not just ASU football, but also the legacies of Dr. Michael Crow, the university’s longtime president, and Graham Rossini, the athletic director.
The stakes? They’re huge. Decisions made in the coming weeks could echo for years.
The Legacy of Dr. Michael Crow
Dr. Michael Crow has been at the helm since 2002. He’s pushed ASU into the national conversation, making it almost synonymous with innovation and academic achievement.
Under Crow, ASU has racked up 11 straight U.S. News & World Report awards. The university has also played a big role in revitalizing downtown Phoenix.
The John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, another of his projects, is about to welcome its first students. It’s one more notch on his legacy belt.
Challenges in Athletics
But here’s the rub—athletic success, especially in football, hasn’t matched those academic heights. Fans and alumni? Most of them care more about wins on the field than awards in the classroom.
If Crow lets Dillingham walk, it could put his whole legacy at risk. That’s the uncomfortable truth.
Kenny Dillingham: A Unique Asset
Kenny Dillingham isn’t just another coach passing through. He’s the first ASU grad to land the head football job, and he’s already made history.
Under his watch, ASU snagged a Big 12 Championship and sold out every home game for the first time ever. The guy bleeds maroon and gold, and people feel it.
The Five-Tool Coach
Dillingham brings a lot to the table:
- Savvy evaluations of coaches and players
- Successful recruitment of identified personnel
- Development of football skills and aptitude
- Emotional resonance and motivation
- Understanding of football schematics and player deployment
He’s openly emotional about his role. That kind of loyalty and heart? It’s rare.
Graham Rossini’s Role
Graham Rossini, ASU’s athletic director, is only in his second year, but he’s already made some waves. He hired successful coaches for volleyball and women’s basketball and has found ways to connect with Sun Devil fans.
Rossini’s also set up a creative contract extension for Dillingham, making it clear he wants him to stay.
The Perception Challenge
If Dillingham leaves, Rossini’s reputation takes a direct hit. Sure, he’s good at spotting coaching talent, but finding someone else with Dillingham’s ASU roots and passion? That’s a tall order.
And let’s be honest—any new coach would still face the same structural hurdles that might push Dillingham out.
The NIL and Financial Support
Dillingham’s been upfront: without solid financial support for players and staff, it’s tough to keep building. Leadership has nudged donors to step up on NIL, but it’s not quite enough yet.
More backing is needed. Staff pay and a sense of job security matter too.
State Law and Contract Challenges
There’s another wrinkle—state law caps contracts at five years. ASU has worked around this with automatic rollovers for good seasons.
Still, what happens if NIL support dries up? Dillingham wants real security, and it’s hard to blame him.
History in the Making
ASU has a rare shot to make sure this moment stands out in the university’s athletic history. There’s a chance here to shift the direction of the football program, but it’s going to take more than just talk.
If the university really backs Dillingham and tackles the tough, underlying issues, maybe they can actually build something lasting. It’s not the kind of thing you do halfway.
Curious to dig in more? Check out the full article on 247Sports.
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