Arizona State Sun Devils Coach Under Fire Yet Again for Going Against CFP
Arizona State University’s football program has once again found itself at the center of controversy, as head coach Kenny Dillingham faces sharp criticism for openly challenging the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure. This isn’t the first time the fiery young coach has sparked outrage among fans and officials, but his recent comments and actions have reignited debates about the direction of the program and its place in college football’s power structure.
Dillingham, known for his aggressive and unapologetic style, recently blasted the CFP committee, calling the current playoff model “a rigged game for the elites” during a post-game press conference. “They keep talking about the best teams, but it’s really about the biggest brands,” Dillingham said. “Schools like Arizona State aren’t even in the conversation, no matter what we do. The system isn’t broken—it’s fixed.”
The remarks come at a time when the Sun Devils are struggling to rebuild their program after a series of disappointing seasons and NCAA sanctions. Critics argue that Dillingham’s frustrations stem more from his own failures than systemic issues within the CFP. Despite flashes of potential, the Sun Devils have not made a significant impact on the national stage under his leadership, and some insiders claim that his public outbursts are a way to deflect blame from his coaching.
But this isn’t just about words. Dillingham’s actions have also raised eyebrows. In a game against a highly-ranked Pac-12 rival earlier this season, Dillingham controversially opted to rest several key players, effectively conceding the game. When questioned, he doubled down, claiming the move was a protest against the CFP’s “bias against mid-tier programs.” “Why kill ourselves trying to win when the system doesn’t care?” he argued.
The move angered fans and alumni, with many accusing Dillingham of prioritizing his personal vendetta over the team’s success. “It’s one thing to criticize the system, but it’s another to give up on the players and fans who believe in this program,” one prominent booster said. “This kind of behavior alienates everyone who wants to see ASU succeed.”
The controversy surrounding Dillingham also highlights broader tensions in college football. Critics of the CFP system argue that it favors perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan while marginalizing programs that lack the same resources and historical prestige. Dillingham has positioned himself as a champion for smaller programs, but his methods are dividing the Arizona State community and raising questions about his suitability for the job.
On the other hand, some fans and analysts have rallied to Dillingham’s side, seeing him as a maverick willing to challenge an inequitable system. “He’s saying what everyone else is too afraid to say,” one ASU student said. “The CFP is a joke, and it’s about time someone stood up to them.”
However, with ASU sitting at the bottom of the Pac-12 standings, the timing of Dillingham’s crusade couldn’t be worse. The program’s performance on the field has failed to back up his bold statements, leading many to question whether his focus should be on fixing the team rather than fighting the system.
As pressure mounts, Dillingham’s future with the Sun Devils remains uncertain. Will his outspokenness be the catalyst for change in college football, or will it be his undoing? For now, Arizona State fans can only watch as their program once again finds itself mired in controversy, unsure whether Dillingham is the fearless leader they need or a reckless disruptor dragging the Sun Devils further into chaos.
One thing is certain: the drama surrounding Kenny Dillingham isn’t going away anytime soon, and neither are the questions about Arizona State’s place in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.