Arizona State just dropped a bombshell, and Kenny Dillingham is at the center of it. With the Sun Devils gearing up for their Playoffs quarterfinal against Texas in the Peach Bowl, ASU decided to lock down their head coach with a shiny new deal. But this isn’t just any contract—it’s the kind of deal that has fans buzzing and lawyers double-checking state laws.

Coach Kenny’s new five-year dollar paper includes a “pathway” to extend to 10 years. Yes, you read that right—ten years, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Here’s just one catch: Arizona law prohibits state universities from signing contracts longer than five years. So, how does ASU pull this off?

The Sun Devils added incentives and creative language to make it happen, essentially giving Kenny Dillingham a decade-long runway if he keeps delivering. Think of it as a contract with built-in turbo boosters. The head Sun Devil was among the lower tier of coaches with a base salary of $4.05 million and was practically slumming it compared to some of his peers. But this new five-year extension deal? It’s gonna net him a cool $20.25 million. The university found a loophole that feels more like Silicon Valley than Tempe.

To sweeten the pot, ASU has also boosted their football operations budget by 45% for 2024 and is stepping into the big leagues as a full participant in revenue sharing. And he has already earned more than $2.5 million in bonuses after leading ASU to an 11-2 season and conference title. For Dillingham, who’s been a bargain in the Big 12 coaching ranks, this deal shows ASU is ready to invest in the long haul. If there’s one thing ASU has proven, it’s that they’re done being middle-of-the-pack.

The move coincides with their full participation in revenue sharing, a major step up in a conference known for its relentless arms race in facilities, talent acquisition, and coaching expertise. And they’re setting the tone, with Dillingham leading this swagger symphony.

For the former Oregon staff member, the deal reflects what he’s built in just one season. His Sun Devils aren’t just a feel-good story; they’re a powerhouse in the making. With his sharp offensive mind and relentless energy, he’s quickly become one of the most coveted coaches in college football. The Peach Bowl matchup against Texas will be another litmus test, but Dillingham isn’t sweating it. “We’re building something special here,” he said earlier this week. And if ASU’s willingness to bend state laws is any indication, they agree.

Of course, not everyone is clapping. Critics argue that ASU’s maneuvering sets a dangerous precedent, blurring the lines between ambition and legality. But for Sun Devils fans, it’s hard to argue with results. “Brilliant” is the word echoing around Tempe, where Dillingham’s extension is being hailed as a stroke of genius.

Kenny Dillingham and his perfect New Year’s Eve

Kenny Dillingham’s wallet is getting an upgrade, and so is his standing in the Big 12 coaching ranks. At just 34 years old, one of the youngest head coaches in the country is set to leap into the upper echelon of Big 12 salaries with a shiny new deal. That is a big jump for the Scottsdale native, whose $4 million base salary this season ranked near the bottom at 11th out of 13 public Big 12 schools. Compare that to Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, who topped the list at $7.75 million. But not anymore.

The new deal will not only elevate Dillingham’s base pay but also load him up with bonuses. Academic incentives alone are expected to push his total payout north of $3 million in the spring. And any wins in the playoffs will add another $200,000 for each semifinal or championship appearance.

The ASU alum has also shown a knack for sharing the wealth. Earlier this year, he gave away a $200,000 bonus from ASU’s ninth win to his support staff. His new contract reportedly includes funds he can distribute to staff at his discretion—so he can keep rewarding his team without digging into his own pocket. While some might call it bending the rules, ASU fans are calling it brilliant.