Respect The Game: Kenny Dillingham showcases classy coaching move following Arizona State’s heartbreaking loss to Texas in CFP

The Arizona State Sun Devils were THIS close—this freakin’ close—to pulling off a massive upset over the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl. The kind of upset that gets your name etched in college football lore forever. It’s overtime, tensions are higher than they could ever be and all they need is ONE STOP. Just one! It’s 4th and 13, folks. Thirteen yards. Texas is backed into a corner. The game is practically begging ASU to slam the door shut and move on in the College Football Playoff.

But what happens instead? Absolute heartbreak. Disaster. Catastrophe. Head coach Kenny Dillingham watches as his defense somehow—somehow—lets Texas convert on a play that should’ve been dead in the water. Not just a first down, mind you—a straight-up touchdown dagger to the soul. I mean, you’ve got to be kidding me. It’s the kind of play that haunts your dreams for years.

Are some of you people still upset with the new format of the CFP? This is what it’s all about ladies and gentlemen. As someone who never really understood the fascination with bowl games on New Year’s day, I especially appreciated what we witnessed this year. The College Football Playoff rocks and this Arizona State vs. Texas game was a prime example of that. I apologize to my Brethren Drew Smith, who loves Bowl games.

Unfortunately, in such high stake games, someone has to go home, and you’d have to imagine it’s not a great feeling. Well, that would be Arizona State in this case at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where some players attempted to flee the field instead of shaking hands.

Head coach Kenny Dillingham wasn’t having that

Despite the loss, @ASUFootball's Kenny Dillingham made sure his players shook Texas' hands after the game 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7ZBbQ51Pxc

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 1, 2025

Let’s set the scene: Arizona State just dropped a heartbreaker in OT to Texas, 39-31, in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Players are understandably crushed. Some start making a beeline for the locker room to lick their wounds. But not so fast—Coach Kenny Dillingham wasn’t having it.

Much is always made about wins and losses in sports, but most specifically the head coach of a football team. They tend to receive all of the credit or blame following the results of games. However, I don’t think we pay enough attention in moments like this, where Dillingham really shined and showed his worth has the head football coach at Arizona State.

You might think it’s old-school, but this is how Dillingham rolls. And honestly this is how a real football coach behaves. Wins and losses come and go, but building character? That’s forever. Respect to the man for keeping it real, especially on a stage like this in front of the entire sports world.

Kenny Dillingham since taking over at Arizona State

Kenny Dillingham has been nothing short of remarkable since taking the reins at Arizona State ahead of the 2023 season, stepping into his first-ever head coaching role.

Year one was a tough introduction, with the Sun Devils finishing with just three wins. But in 2024, Dillingham orchestrated a turnaround that stunned everyone. Predicted by many to finish at the bottom of the Big 12, Arizona State silenced the doubters, storming to a conference championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. They didn’t just make it—they went toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s best teams.

Hailed as one of the top coaching prospects during the 2023 hiring cycle, Dillingham has quickly proven why. In just two seasons, he’s turned ASU into a program that commands respect and attention.

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