Why Kenny Dillingham Isn’t Yet a Top Big 12 Coach According to CBS Sports
When Arizona State University announced the hiring of Kenny Dillingham as its head football coach, expectations naturally soared. Dillingham, a rising star in the coaching world, brought a fresh perspective and a reputation for offensive innovation, qualities much needed for a Sun Devils program aiming to regain its competitive edge. However, despite his potential and previous successes as an offensive coordinator and play-caller, CBS Sports’ recent rankings of Big 12 coaches did not include Dillingham among the top-tier coaching names in the conference. This omission has sparked debate and curiosity about why such a promising coach has yet to receive the recognition some believe he deserves.
The Context: Arizona State Joins the Big 12
Arizona State’s move to the Big 12 Conference represents a significant shift for the program, positioning the Sun Devils in one of the most competitive and high-profile Power Five conferences. With this transition comes heightened expectations and scrutiny, especially in terms of coaching performance. The Big 12 boasts established coaching talents with proven track records—figures like Lincoln Riley at USC (formerly Oklahoma), Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, and others have long been staples of the conference’s coaching elite.
In this environment, Dillingham’s job is no small task. He must not only establish his own coaching identity but also compete against seasoned Big 12 coaches who have years of experience recruiting, game-planning, and winning within this conference. CBS Sports’ rankings reflect these realities, favoring coaches who have demonstrated consistent success in the Big 12 or comparable conferences.
Who is Kenny Dillingham?
Before analyzing the CBS Sports ranking, it’s important to understand Kenny Dillingham’s background and coaching journey. At 32 years old, Dillingham is one of the youngest head coaches in Division I football. He made a name for himself primarily as an offensive coordinator, with stints at Arizona State, Memphis, and Oregon. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks, Dillingham helped lead Arizona State’s offense to notable improvements in recent years.
However, despite his impressive résumé, Dillingham is entering his first head coaching role at a Power Five program, which naturally raises questions about his readiness and ability to transition from coordinator to head coach. Success as a coordinator does not always guarantee head coaching triumphs, as the responsibilities and challenges multiply.
CBS Sports’ Criteria for Ranking Big 12 Coaches
CBS Sports typically ranks coaches based on multiple factors, including:
- Win-loss records, especially in conference play.
- Recent success in terms of bowl games and playoff appearances.
- Ability to recruit and develop talent.
- Longevity and experience in the conference.
- Impact on team culture and overall program trajectory.
Given that Dillingham is new to his head coaching role at Arizona State and has yet to compile a track record of wins or recruiting successes at this level, CBS Sports’ omission of him from the top ranks can be seen as a reflection of this lack of experience rather than a judgment of his potential.
Comparing Dillingham to Other Big 12 Coaches
When looking at the current top Big 12 coaches, such as:
- Lincoln Riley (USC, formerly Oklahoma): Known for multiple Big 12 championships, playoff appearances, and developing Heisman-winning quarterbacks.
- Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State): A long-tenured coach with consistent winning seasons and deep bowl appearances.
- David Beaty (Kansas, historically tough program but improving under his leadership)
These coaches have established resumes that make them safe bets in rankings. Dillingham, though promising, is still writing his story.
The Challenge of Transition
Moving from offensive coordinator to head coach requires more than just offensive expertise. Head coaches manage entire programs, handle media responsibilities, oversee recruiting strategies, and build coaching staffs. For Dillingham, the transition means proving his ability to lead beyond X’s and O’s.
Arizona State is also undergoing significant changes with conference realignment, new rivals, and tougher schedules. Dillingham’s success hinges on how quickly he can adapt and guide the program through these challenges. CBS Sports likely wants to see demonstrated success under these new conditions before elevating him in their rankings.
Potential for Growth and Future Recognition
While CBS Sports may not rank Dillingham among the top Big 12 coaches today, his youth and upward trajectory suggest he has time to earn that status. Early results will be critical. Should Dillingham lead Arizona State to bowl games, conference wins, and improved recruiting classes, perceptions will change rapidly.
Dillingham’s reputation as an offensive innovator and quarterback developer also means he could attract top talent to Tempe, potentially transforming Arizona State into a conference powerhouse. With the Sun Devils now in the Big 12, exposure and competition levels increase, which could accelerate his development as a coach.
What Fans and Analysts Should Watch For
Fans of Arizona State and college football analysts alike should keep an eye on several key areas to gauge Dillingham’s progress:
- Recruiting Success: Can Dillingham attract Big 12-caliber players, especially given Arizona State’s new conference footprint?
- In-Game Adjustments and Strategy: Does Dillingham’s offensive creativity translate into wins against Big 12 defenses?
- Program Culture and Stability: Is he able to build a consistent winning culture amid the challenges of conference transition?
- Record Against Big 12 Opponents: How does Arizona State perform in its initial Big 12 seasons under Dillingham?
Conclusion
Kenny Dillingham’s omission from CBS Sports’ list of top Big 12 coaches is understandable given his newcomer status and the natural skepticism that surrounds any first-time Power Five head coach. The ranking is less a critique and more a reflection of experience and proven success to date.
However, Dillingham’s youth, offensive acumen, and fresh energy position him well to rise quickly within the Big 12 coaching ranks. Arizona State’s move to the Big 12 adds pressure but also opportunity—a stage on which Dillingham can prove he belongs among the elite.
In the coming seasons, it will be fascinating to watch how Dillingham navigates the challenges of a new conference, recruits talent, and develops a winning culture. His potential is undeniable; it’s only a matter of time before the broader college football world takes notice.
For now, CBS Sports’ rankings serve as a benchmark of current realities, but the story of Kenny Dillingham in the Big 12 is just beginning—and it promises to be one worth following closely.
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