Arizona State and head coach Kenny Dillingham have finalized a new five-year contract that positions him among the highest-paid coaches in the Big 12, according to sources from ESPN on Tuesday. The contract may potentially extend to 10 years, despite Arizona law capping contracts for state schools at five years. However, incentives included in the deal offer a pathway to extend it to a decade.
This new agreement reflects a strong commitment to Arizona State football, which recently claimed the Big 12 title and is set to face Texas in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. It marks the school’s first outright conference championship since 1996.
Alongside the contract, ASU will increase its football scholarships, adding 20 next season to expand rosters to 105 players. The deal also emphasizes a stronger commitment to supporting the coaching staff and full participation in revenue sharing. Interestingly, Arizona State achieved the Big 12 title after being ranked last in the preseason poll. This major commitment demonstrates the school’s ambition to stay competitive in the Big 12.
“We are in the national conversation,” a source noted. The goal is to provide the necessary resources for the program to compete nationally and attract top coaching talent and recruits. Currently, Dillingham ranks toward the bottom of Big 12 coaches in base salary at 4.05million 2.5 million in bonuses for leading ASU to an 11-2 season and the conference title, positioning him closer to the top of the league with expected bonus increases.
Dillingham is also expected to earn additional bonuses of over 3millionlaterthisspring, particularly from academic achievements and potential College Football Playoff wins, each worth around 200,000. Notably, he previously donated a bonus of $ 200,000 to support staff.
The football operations budget has also seen an increase of more than 45% from 2023 to 2024. In a strategic move, ASU secured new contracts for offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo and defensive coordinator Brian Ward shortly before, offering them average salaries exceeding a million dollars, reflecting competitive compensation for coordinators in the Big 12.
Among the league coaches, Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, who earned $ 7.75 million, had the highest salary, though he took a pay cut following a winless season. Dillingham’s new base salary is expected to place him among the top earners, with substantial bonus structures in place. A native of Scottsdale who graduated from ASU, Dillingham has long viewed this position as his dream job. Every step in his career has aimed at returning to ASU as head coach.
“The fit is so important,” Dillingham expressed earlier this week. His familiarity with the school and community has helped him establish a successful transition, which is crucial for recruiting. After finishing 3-9 in his first year at ASU in 2023, the turnaround to an 11-win season and a Big 12 championship has been remarkable. This league title secured them a bye in the initial round of the College Football Playoff.
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