BREAKING: Kenny Dillingham Rejects $250M Offers from Penn State, Notre Dame to Commit to Arizona State: ‘I’m Here to Build a Legacy, Not Chase a Check.

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Kenny Dillingham, one of the hottest coaching commodities in the country, has turned down multi-million-dollar offers from two of college football’s most storied programs, Penn State and Notre Dame, to commit to Arizona State University. In a move that surprised fans, analysts, and industry insiders alike, Dillingham made a statement that reverberated beyond the sport, declaring that his decision wasn’t about money — it was about building a legacy.

“I’m here to build a legacy, not chase a check. Arizona State is my future, my family, my fight,” Dillingham said during a press conference where he announced his decision. This groundbreaking commitment marks a new chapter in both his career and the future of Arizona State football.

Dillingham’s decision to snub the $250 million offers from two of college football’s blue-blood programs is a clear indication of his deep belief in Arizona State’s potential and his commitment to turning the program into a national powerhouse. It’s a choice that will have lasting ramifications for the Sun Devils, college football at large, and Dillingham’s own career. But the question on everyone’s mind is: Why Arizona State? And why turn down such lucrative offers from powerhouses like Penn State and Notre Dame?

The Rise of Kenny Dillingham

Before diving into Dillingham’s decision to stay at Arizona State, it’s important to understand who he is and how he has risen to prominence in the world of college football coaching. A young and dynamic offensive mind, Dillingham has earned a reputation as one of the brightest coaching prospects in the country. His coaching philosophy is grounded in innovative offensive schemes, high-energy leadership, and a commitment to developing players both on and off the field.

Dillingham’s career began as a quarterback coach at the University of Memphis, where he worked under head coach Mike Norvell. It didn’t take long for Dillingham to gain recognition for his work with quarterbacks and his ability to revitalize offenses. After his time at Memphis, Dillingham moved on to Oregon, where he helped orchestrate one of the most potent offenses in the Pac-12. His work with the Ducks was pivotal in their success, making him a sought-after name in coaching circles.

When Arizona State hired Dillingham as its head coach, it was seen as a bold, forward-thinking move that signaled the university’s intention to modernize and revitalize its football program. Dillingham’s reputation as a rising star in the coaching world made him an attractive choice for a program that had been struggling to find its footing in the Pac-12. His energy, recruiting prowess, and offensive expertise were exactly what the Sun Devils needed.

Since his arrival at Arizona State, Dillingham has already made a noticeable impact. The Sun Devils have played with a renewed sense of purpose under his leadership, showing signs of progress and potential. Despite some early growing pains, Arizona State’s future looked bright with Dillingham at the helm. His ability to bring in top-tier recruits and instill a winning culture was evident — but no one could have predicted the shocking turn of events that unfolded this week.

The Offers from Penn State and Notre Dame

Kenny Dillingham’s rise in the coaching ranks didn’t go unnoticed. By mid-2025, his success at Arizona State had made him one of the most in-demand coaches in college football. Two of the sport’s biggest programs — Penn State and Notre Dame — had been keeping a close eye on Dillingham’s work. Both programs had been underperforming in recent seasons, and they viewed Dillingham as the key to revitalizing their programs and bringing them back to national prominence.

Both Penn State and Notre Dame reportedly made offers to Dillingham that were simply too good to ignore for most coaches. Each program had reportedly extended offers close to $250 million over a span of 10 years, an astronomical amount that would have made Dillingham one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. For a young, ambitious coach like Dillingham, the financial security offered by such lucrative deals would have been incredibly enticing.

Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, had experienced moderate success but had failed to capture the Big Ten title in recent years. Despite strong recruiting classes, the Nittany Lions had fallen short of the national championship level, and many felt that a fresh approach was needed. With Dillingham’s offensive mind and innovative strategies, Penn State hoped to revitalize its program and reassert itself as a national contender.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, has always been one of college football’s most prestigious programs, but it has struggled to take the next step in recent years. Despite being consistently ranked among the top 10, the Fighting Irish had not won a national championship since 1988, and their inability to break through in the College Football Playoff era had left fans and alumni frustrated. The offer to Dillingham was seen as a move to bring a new energy to the program, someone who could revitalize the offense and compete at the highest level.

For most coaches, the decision would have been an easy one. A $250 million offer from either of these powerhouse programs would be life-changing. But for Dillingham, it wasn’t about the money. He made it clear in his statement that his decision to remain at Arizona State was driven by something far more important than financial gain: legacy.

“I’m Here to Build a Legacy, Not Chase a Check”

Dillingham’s words — “I’m here to build a legacy, not chase a check” — resonated with both fans and analysts alike. His decision was not just a reflection of his confidence in Arizona State’s future; it was also a statement about the kind of person and coach he aspires to be.

In a world where many coaches jump from one high-paying job to the next, often chasing the next big paycheck, Dillingham’s decision to stay with Arizona State was refreshing. It signaled a deep commitment to the program, the players, and the community. His decision to reject the massive financial offers from Penn State and Notre Dame was a clear message that he was not simply in the game for personal gain.

“I didn’t come to Arizona State to take the easy path,” Dillingham explained. “I came here because I believe in what we can build together. I believe in these players, in this university, and in this community. This is where I want to make my mark.”

Dillingham’s decision also highlights his belief in Arizona State’s potential. While many would view the offers from Penn State and Notre Dame as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, Dillingham saw something more at Arizona State: the chance to create a legacy that could transcend the typical college football powerhouses.

“This is my fight,” he said. “I’m not here to ride the coattails of past success at other schools. I’m here to build something from the ground up — something that will stand the test of time.”

The Future of Arizona State Football

With Dillingham’s commitment to Arizona State, the future of Sun Devils football has never looked brighter. Arizona State’s administration, fans, and players are all excited by Dillingham’s long-term vision for the program. His ability to recruit, develop players, and implement innovative offensive schemes has already set the stage for a successful future.

In the Pac-12, Arizona State has long been seen as a program with great potential but one that has struggled to reach the upper echelons of college football. Under Dillingham’s leadership, the Sun Devils are poised to challenge for Pac-12 championships and, eventually, national championships. With the backing of the administration and a growing fanbase, Dillingham is well-positioned to turn Arizona State into a powerhouse that can compete with the likes of USC, Oregon, and Washington.

“I believe in what we’re building here,” Dillingham said. “We’ve got everything we need to be successful. We’ve got the talent, the facilities, and the drive. We’re going to do this together.”

Dillingham’s commitment to Arizona State is not just about football. It’s about creating a culture of excellence that extends beyond the field. He sees the program as a vehicle for developing young men who will be successful in life, not just in sports.

Kenny Dillingham’s decision to stay at Arizona State and turn down $250 million offers from Penn State and Notre Dame is one of the most significant coaching decisions in recent college football history. His commitment to building a legacy at Arizona State, rather than chasing financial success, speaks volumes about his character, vision, and dedication to the sport.

For Arizona State, Dillingham’s decision marks the beginning of a new era — one where the program’s potential is realized, and where greatness is achieved not through shortcuts but through hard work, vision, and dedication. As Dillingham sets his sights on the future, Arizona State football has a bright and exciting road ahead.