Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham’s heartfelt response following the Sun Devils’ 39-31 double-overtime loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl has garnered widespread attention. In a social media post, Dillingham expressed his pride in his team’s performance, stating, “Losing sucks! But man I have never been so proud of a group of young men in my entire life! The bonds this team has is old school, and it’s real, these relationships will live on forever!”
During the postgame press conference, Dillingham took full responsibility for the loss, emphasizing the need for better preparation and execution. He remarked, “Our guys played good enough to win. Our guys battled good enough to win. This game’s 100% on me.”
Demonstrating sportsmanship, Dillingham ensured his players remained on the field to shake hands with the Texas team after the game. He stated, “You lost the game. You can be upset, but you’re going to respect your opponent.”
The Sun Devils’ season, marked by an 11-3 record and a Big 12 championship, exceeded preseason expectations. Dillingham’s leadership has been widely praised, with fans and analysts commending his commitment to fostering a culture of respect and accountability within the program.
Looking ahead, Dillingham remains optimistic about the future of Arizona State football, focusing on building upon the successes and lessons of the past season. He noted, “This is just the beginning,” indicating a strong foundation for continued growth and achievement.
For a more in-depth understanding of Dillingham’s reflections and the team’s sentiments following the game, you can watch the postgame press conference below: