After one of the most hectic weeks in the history of Michigan Wolverines football, it’s time for the administration to move forward and get another coach into Ann Arbor. The administration needs to move quickly and fans want them to act fast, but they also need to be smart and get the right guy in.
The most obvious names have been mentioned already — Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is probably the biggest name out there and with Kyle Whittingham leaving Utah, but not necessarily retiring, it’s safe to mention him as part of that top group. But the guy that’s getting a big push right now is the one that Michigan needs to focus its attention on.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham.
Kenny Dillingham is another name that would be an awesome hire for Michigan. Program builder, has exceeded expectations, young and intelligent, offensive minded.
As is the case with many names, I wonder if he’d leave ASU? Native there. Alum. Loyal to his home.
— Jake Butt (@Jbooty88) December 12, 2025
As the former Michigan tight end pointed out, Dillingham is coaching athis alma mater where he graduated from in 2012. He is an Arizona guy. Born in Phoenix, went to high school in Scottsdale, coached high school football in Arizona for several years and after stops at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State and Oregon, Dillingham is back home. I don’t think he’d leave the Sun Devils or the comfort of home for any job.
But Michigan isn’t just any job. It’s a chance to build a legacy at one of the most recognizable college brands on the globe and the 35-year-old Dilllingham understands that the opportunity to build a legacy at Michigan is something not many coaches are afforded.
A number of Michigan football players, Including Bryce Underwood, followed Kenny Dillingham.
His odds of becoming the next Michigan head coach have shot up on @Polymarket 👀 pic.twitter.com/vknVwmkTHF
— Casual Big Ten (@casualbigten) December 12, 2025
Why Kenny Dillingham is the right guy at the right time for Michigan
Dillingham has the things Michigan needs right now. He is a culture builder that connects with players. He is a top-level personality that will recruit at a high level. His offense is explosive, but it’s also physical. He values toughness, mentally and physically.
That sounds like a Michigan man.
Dillingham is also great at developing quarterbacks. He has had a big hand in the development of Bo Nix, Jordan Travis and, most recently, Sam Leavitt. Currently, the Wolverines have a very talented young quarterback, Bryce Underwood, that needs a coach like Dillingham to get the most out of him.
This works on nearly every level. Josh Pate believes Dillingham is the guy. Joel Klatt believes Dillingham is the guy. There seems to be a massive push on social media that wants to see Dillingham as the next coach in Ann Arbor. It’s the right thing to do.
The decision makers at Michigan need to get it done.
