re: I've still yet to see anyone show legit reasons why Dillingham should be considered.

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Is this it? Really? This is what we're going to hang our hat on for this guy?

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I mean you just made it up so no, not really.

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Please, anyone, give me actual reasons and data for why this guy would be a good hire.

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I’m honestly not sure which boxes any other candidate check that Dillingham doesn’t. He’s had success as an OC in almost every conference. Develops QBs. Great recruiter. He’s made the playoffs, but still young with plenty to prove, and has only really been a HC during the NIL/transfer portal era. From LSUs perspective, this would be a 180 from Kelly that saw this job as a retirement plan.

Not my first choice by any means, but he clearly has the credentials to be hired by a major program.

I feel like some of yall have no idea what you really want and don’t know what you are looking for. There is nobody out there that could guarantee success

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Not my first choice by any means, but he clearly has the credentials to be hired by a major program.

I feel like some of yall have no idea what you really want and don’t know what you are looking for. There is nobody out there that could guarantee success

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You misunderstand me. I think Dillingham should be on the board. I can see an argument for him being top 7 on the board. I don't see an argument for him being #2. But a lot of people on here seem to think he should definitely be #2 if we don't land Kiffin. I'm simply asking "why". Because when I look at his history, he's not #2 worthy. I know exactly what I want. These are my priorities in order:

Coach that:
1. Shows consistent success at his job regardless of roster turnover (whether that's offense or defense - but I prefer offense in this era of CFB)
2. Demands physicality and toughness (this may mean getting Moffitt back on staff and depends on position coaches, but I think the HC has to want this)
3. Has shown he can punch up and win big games
4. Recruits well
5. Has a good relationship with the fanbase ("fit", if you will)

Dillingham doesn't meet those criteria very well.

The talk about Leavitt and Skatty carrying Dillingham is so dumb.

Skatty is a running back who transferred from frickin Sacramento State, does Dillingham get any credit for making the decision to bring him in from an FCS school?

San Leavitt was a good recruit but did absolutely nothing at Sparty. Does Dillingham get any credit for bringing him in as “the guy”?

I want a coach who can identify talent and get the most out of them (I think Kiffin is also in this boat). Sue me!

You cannot be this stupid Literally fricking google him and look at his body of work. At just 35 he has an impressive background. For one, He has SEC coaching experience , he was OC in 2019 at Auburn. He was OC for explosive offenses at Memphis and was OC at Oregon during Bo nix’s turnaround senior year. Bo nix credits him for his development.

Two, he took over an an absolute dumpster fire. Herm Edwards left ASU in ruins. It only took him two years to completely rebuild a program that is limited in NIL funds and talent pool.

Do your own research fig. It’s not that hard to find out why he would be great here.

He has actually made a playoff for one….

He did not call the plays at memphis

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You misunderstand me. I think Dillingham should be on the board.

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I've still yet to see anyone show legit reasons why Dillingham should be considered.

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Is the board not those that are being considered?

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I don't see an argument for him being #2. But a lot of people on here seem to think he should definitely be #2 if we don't land Kiffin.

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Well that is a pretty big assumption that you should probably try to clarify. You aren’t looking for a legitimate reason he should be considered, you are really looking for an argument as to how he could be considered someone’s top candidate (given that we only know of Kiffin being offered at this point, it’s his job if he wants it and doesn’t need to be in the discussion).

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Dillingham doesn't meet those criteria very well.

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I’m not sure how you arrived at this conclusion to be honest.

I'll play:

1) Took over an ASU program that was a dumpster fire going 3-9 under Herm Edwards and staring down sanctions and flipped it in 2 years. They were projected to be last place in the Big 12 and he takes the team to the playoffs which shows he can flip a program as the lead guy.

2) He's 35 and already has18 years experience in coaching football.

3) He gets the most out of the most important position on the field, QB. He was hired at Auburn in 2019. He helped Bo Nix become the SEC rookie of the year. He was hired away to FSU and then Bo Nix's play took a nose dive. When Dillingham gets to ASU, they identify and get Sam Leavitt out of the portal. Leavitt at MSU was 15/23, 139yds, 2TDs/2Ints. His first year at ASU as a RS Fr he goes 11-2, throws for 2,885(61.7%) 24/6, rushes for 443 and rushes for 5TD.

4) He hustles for resources. He's a guy that is engaging. He will go meet with boosters and fans and whomever else he has to to get what the program needs. Many coaches do not like/want/offer to do this.

5) He is a great motivator. His teams perform above themselves many times. You saw it in the playoff run and against Texas Tech this year.

6) He has won several games against teams ranked higher than his. In 2024, he beat a ranked Utah, BYU, and Iowa State. He also took Texas to OT in the playoff as a double-digit underdog. In 2025, they beat a ranked TCU and #7 Texas Tech.


Everything about this guy suggests that if he ever got the resources and talent, he could blow up and his youth suggests he could be a stalwart of college football for a long time if he does meet his potential and doesn't bounce to the NFL at some point.

I tell you what, after reading this thread I'm actually thinking he would be a great hire...