In a surprising and heartwarming move this Thanksgiving, Arizona State University head football coach Kenny Dillingham stunned his coaching staff by gifting them a total of $200,000 in bonuses—money he voluntarily gave from his own performance bonus earnings. The gesture, made public just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, has drawn widespread admiration from both the college football community and fans alike.
According to university sources, Dillingham, who is in his second season as the head coach of the Sun Devils, quietly arranged for the sizable bonus distribution to be split among assistant coaches and support staff. The funds came entirely from a recent performance bonus he received as part of his contractual incentives for hitting team and program development milestones.
“This wasn’t about publicity or a grand statement,” one staff member said. “Coach Dillingham just wanted to say thank you in a way that really matters. It’s rare to see a head coach go this far to take care of the people around him.”
The Thanksgiving bonuses come during a year where Arizona State has faced challenges on the field but shown promise and unity off it. Under Dillingham’s leadership, the program has emphasized culture, accountability, and long-term growth—values he’s now demonstrated through action.
In a brief statement released by the athletic department, Dillingham commented: “Football is a team game, and that goes far beyond the players on the field. Our staff works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, sacrificing so much for the success of this program. I’m thankful for them every day, and this was just a small way to show my appreciation.”
The 34-year-old coach, who took the reins at ASU in 2022 as the youngest Power Five head coach at the time, has earned praise for his emotional intelligence and deep ties to Arizona. A Phoenix native and ASU alum himself, Dillingham has continuously emphasized building a sustainable, people-first culture—one that values character just as much as talent.
Social media lit up with messages of support following the news, with several former and current players chiming in to commend their coach’s generosity. “Coach D always talks about family, and he means it,” one player tweeted. “This just shows how much he really cares.”
The $200,000 was reportedly distributed proportionally across staff roles, including assistant coaches, analysts, trainers, and support personnel. Though ASU did not provide individual breakdowns, several sources close to the program confirmed the gifts were unexpected and met with emotional gratitude.
Amid the often-cutthroat world of college athletics, Dillingham’s gesture stands out as a reminder of the human side of coaching. While wins and losses remain front and center in collegiate sports, stories like this serve as a powerful example of leadership and generosity in action.
As the Sun Devils wrap up their season and look to the future, it’s clear that their head coach is not only investing in the team’s on-field success but in the people who make it all possible—one meaningful gift at a time.
