Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham is new ASU head coach

Just as Oregon's loss to Oregon State was ending late Saturday afternoon, multiple reports began to spread that offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham was on the verge of being named the next coach at Arizona State.

Sunday morning it became official.

Dillingham will return to his alma mater to be the Sun Devils' next coach, and at 32, the 2013 ASU graduate will be the youngest coach in the Power Five.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head coach at Arizona State University," said Dillingham, a Scottsdale, Ariz., native. "This is a special place to myself and my wife who is also a graduate. I truly believe the team we will build here is one that the state of Arizona and all Sun Devils can rally behind and be proud of as it will take everyone in the valley to help this program achieve the level of success it is due. I am excited to get to work and promise no one will work harder than the staff we will put together."

Dillingham, a finalist for the Broyles Award, presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football, has been lauded for his play calling and for making the Ducks one of the top offensive teams in the nation during his one season in Eugene.

Prior to the game against Oregon State, Oregon was ranked No. 2 among FBS teams in first downs per game (26.9), No. 3 in total yards per game (511.2), tied for No. 3 in red zone touchdowns (43), No. 4 in points per game (40.2), tied for No. 5 in plays of 10-plus yards (203), No. 6 in total yards per play (7.07), No. 12 in rushing yards per game (223.0) and No. 18 in passing yards per game (288.2).

Dillingham's also been instrumental in the development of quarterback Bo Nix, who is having a resurgent season at Oregon since transferring from Auburn to re-team with Dillingham, who was his offensive coordinator in 2019 during his freshman season.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning wrote in a social media post Sunday he "couldn't be happier" for Dillingham.

"Kenny did a phenomenal job this year for our program and we are excited to see him chase his dream in his hometown," Lanning said. "We are grateful for his efforts here and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

Dillingham replaces Herm Edwards, who was fired in September. The Sun Devils went 3-9 this season.

"His knowledge of the current college football landscape, learned by coaching across the nation, is needed and wanted at ASU," Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson said. "He will care at the highest level about our state, our alumni, our former players and every single group that is important to help us win. We look forward to working with him and all Sun Devils in making his staff successful and helping our program reach our goals."

Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com. 

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This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham takes over at ASU