PHNX Daily: Kenny Dillingham Situation Remains Unresolved

👋 GOOD MORNING – Well, I think we all thought the rumors of a potential Kenny Dillingham departure were all but squashed — until today.

It still feels like Dillingham is here for the long haul, but he didn’t exactly shut down the Michigan rumors in his interview yesterday.

So let’s take a look at Kenny’s comments, and what they might mean!

— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

Kenny Dillingham Declines to Squash Rumors

This situation has taken some twists and turns.

Obviously, with the well-published knowledge that the University of Michigan is in dire need of a head football coach, Sun Devil coach Kenny Dillingham was a name that immediately popped up in the rumor mill.

That was all it was — rumors.

Dillingham later said he had not spoken to Michigan, and brushed off that speculation for the time being.

Then, 247sports’ Chris Karpman reported that Dillingham and Arizona State were “close” to reaching an agreement on what was essentially a raise — a contract amendment that would increase his base earnings at ASU. It was not a contract extension.

That was four days ago, with no official agreement being announced since.

And yesterday, when given the point-blank opportunity (thank you Shane Dieffenbach) to give Sun Devil faithful some reassurance, he … didn’t exactly do that. In fact, he pretty much deflected the question.

“I think my job is to try to do whatever I can for the people that are with me, the people that are in the foxhole, the coaches that are in the foxhole with me,” Dillingham said.

“I’ve got to do whatever I can to fight for those people, for my family, for everything, from that perspective. I love it here. I’ve said that since day one. That’s absolutely never changing.”

So, do these words mean he’s thinking about leaving for Michigan? Well, probably not.

For one, if Dillingham is in the midst of contract negotiations, bluntly stating your intention to remain in Tempe no matter what would undermine any and all chance to come out on top of said negotiations.

He also made comments about his staff and his players, and the “support” (likely financial) that he feels they need to have.

“I think one thing for stability is your assistant staff, the support for them, the support for your players, right? In this nature of the arms race, you got to get the arms,” Dillingham said. “And then longevity. In this crazy era of college sports, longevity is security. Security is protection, for if there’s something bad that happens, then you’ve got to be able to bounce back another year later.”

It sounds like Dillingham isn’t so much looking to squeeze more dollars into his own paycheck, but rather hoping to ensure the program’s ability to retain, compensate and protect its assistant coaches, staff and player (especially in the NIL era).

Basically, it’s up to AD Graham Rossini and ASU President Michael Crow to make an investment in the football program as a whole — not in an attempt to lure Dillingham away from another attractive offer, but in a wholesale, stabilizing investment.

My Take: I still think Dillingham is staying. He’s been very adamant about it in the past. The comments he’s making now are not indicative of personal displeasure, but rather a desire to see the program he loves flourish. He can’t do that if he surrenders leverage for the sake of fans’ feelings, as harsh as that may seem.

Will ASU ultimately make that investment? That remains to be seen. I feel confident that Dillingham — who is a premium asset to the university in ways that go beyond the on-field product — will be able to work out an agreement with those above him.

If they can’t, however, this could be an all-time heartbreaker. The ASU fanbase is (understandably) already on the verge of a riot.

Quick Hits

Some Snakes Buzz: The Diamondbacks are reportedly in on Red Sox All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. Where did that come from? It’s reportedly gone beyond preliminary talks, and could work in tandem with a Marte trade a potential trade that must not be named. This offseason, considering how quiet it’s been in terms of moves, has not been boring.

Right-hander Michael Soroka also introduced himself to the Phoenix media yesterday. He’s added two (technically three) new pitches to his arsenal, has shifted his approach and tweaked his delivery to prevent injury. He’s also a prolific guitarist and music lover.

Right-handed pitching prospect Kyle Amendt appears to have undergone season-ending surgery, per his Instagram account… sigh.

But to round it out with some positive news, our beloved Merrill Kelly reportedly turned down a three-year deal worth north of $50 million to take Arizona’s offer — if you weren’t already thrilled enough about his return.

It’s Always Bad News: The Cardinals worked out some linebackers today: Cameron McGrone and Mark Robinson. But in worse news, RB Bam Knight (who had been the starter once both James Conner and Trey Benson went down) was placed on IR, ending his season. It’ll be Michael Carter and friends, from here on out.

WR Andre Baccellia, who suffered a scary neck injury and was carted off the field on Sunday, was also placed on season-ending IR. He’s alright, but won’t see the field again this year.

Battle of the Cats: The No. 1-ranked men’s basketball squad took care of business against the Abilene Christian Wildcats last night, winning 96-62 at McKale Center. Freshman guard Brayden Burries shot 9-for-11 to lead the scoring in a 20-point night. The Cats move to 10-0 on the season.

Arizona Women’s hoops are 8-2 after taking down the Chicago State Cougars on Monday. It’s been a fun season so far for both squads.