Arizona State Sun Devils’ scriptwriters deserve an Oscar. Just a year ago, the Sun Devils were mired in mediocrity, picked dead last in the Big 12 preseason poll. Fast forward to today, and they’ve flipped the entire narrative, storming to an 11-2 record, a Big 12 title which was their first outright conference title since 1996, and a coveted spot in the playoffs. How about that for a retaliation? Head coach Kenny Dillingham is receiving plenty of credit, but every great leader has a behind-the-scenes genius working their magic.
The CFB Analyst for CBS Sports and 3x All-American TE, Adam Breneman, is one of the most recognized voices in the league. He dropped the tea on X after ASU’s dominant 45-19 win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship. With a caption that explains everything, enter Joe Connolly, the strength coach who has become the secret weapon behind Arizona State’s jaw-dropping turnaround. “Arizona State has completely flipped the script in year two under Kenny Dillingham, and a huge reason for that is their head strength coach, Joe Connolly,” Breneman revealed. “I trained under him, played for him at UMass, and the dude straight-up gets results for his players.”
Connolly’s impact extends beyond mere weightlifting; it focuses on transforming both mindsets and bodies. A prime example of this is Cam Skattebo, ASU’s standout running back. Skattebo lost 10 pounds during the offseason, resulting in increased speed, explosiveness, and dominance. In a remarkable performance against Iowa State, he rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. “That has Joe’s fingerprints all over it,” noted Adam Breneman, emphasizing Connolly’s influence on players’ fitness and confidence.
If you scroll down, you’ll see Josh Pate praising Connolly as a “GOAT,” underscoring his credibility. The results speak volumes. In just two seasons, Kenny Dillingham transformed a 3-9 team facing NCAA sanctions into a physical powerhouse that dominates opponents. Breneman pointed to their performance at the line of scrimmage as evidence: “Watch the tape…You’ll see the line of scrimmage moving on both sides of the ball constantly. That is straight-up physical domination.” Against Iowa State, a traditionally tough team, ASU didn’t just win—they decisively dismantled the Cyclones.
Dillingham, who started his coaching career at 17 after tearing his ACL in high school, deserves accolades for recruiting top talent. When combined with Connolly’s ability to rapidly develop that talent, the results have been nothing short of miraculous. “The ability for Dillingham to bring in the transfers and then, in a short time, for Connolly to maximize their development is insane,” the UMass TE highlighted. Players trust Connolly because he understands their journey; his personal experiences have allowed him to instill confidence in them.
After his impactful work at Arizona, head coach Dillingham is poised for recognition as he prepares for a significant night.
You deserve it, coach! Kenny Dillingham is a finalist for the Coach’s MVP award. In just his second year, he has transformed Arizona State football from “meh” to magnificent. It’s no surprise that he’s one of the nine finalists for the prestigious 2024 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award, awarded by the Football Writers Association of America, making it a major honor.
The competition is tough, featuring three veteran finalists (including one from last year) and six newcomers, with an impressive seven coaches leading teams in the College Football Playoff. Dillingham stands out among the best for good reason. This season, he was named Big 12 Coach of the Year, reflecting his colleagues’ respect. He led the Sun Devils to their first outright conference championship since 1996, achieving 11 wins, a feat accomplished only six times in the program’s history, with the last being in ‘96.
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