I still think that Lanning deserves it, but that isn't how the COY works. But Dillingham is the obvious choice in my mind. Cignetti and Indiana got everybody's attention, and ran with it, until they tried to, "run through a wall" for their coach at the 'shoe and were as successful as Wiley Coyote. 

 

 

ASU was 3-9 last year. This year they're 9-2, against a much tougher schedule that Indiana's all new team has faced, and is set to play in the Big 12's CCG. 

 

Google Dillingham

 

I think DL has been "Coach of the year" each of his two seasons at Oregon.  But, then again I'm a major homer regarding OBD. 

 

In my mind he is again this year, especially if he breaks that Husky "mini curse" they currently hold over him on Saturday, thus completing an undefeated regular season in OBD first year in the B1G.

 

All that being said.  Dillingham has done Way more with far Less and from a starting point of no one believing ASU would compete for Anything, on the gridiron, in the move to the BIG12.  He has that team playing "solid", although not quite elite, football on both sides of the ball.  Most of all, he seems to be establishing his own "culture" at ASU and that is going to serve him well.  Dillingham should get strong concideration for the award.

 

So can we now refer to Dillingham as one of Lannings' "first" coaching tree successes?  Wouldn't it be fun if the "football gods" (selection committee?) played it out that Oregon and ASU get to meet in the playoffs.  That could be a fun and entertaining " ol conference foes" playoff game.

 

Go Ducks!

I'm OK with Dilly winning it. ASU was licking the bottom of the gut wagon 2 years ago. Now? Contenders for the playoffs???? Whaaaaat??? Yeah, go ahead and give it to him now regardless of the season.

ASU was picked to finish dead last in the Big-12. If they beat AZ, give that man his award. 
 

 

Edited November 26, 2024Nov 26 by GeotechDuck

On 11/26/2024 at 9:49 AM, GeotechDuck said:

ASU was picked to finish dead last in the Big-12. If they beat AZ, give that man his award. 
 

 

Agreed…..

I bet DL would agree, but he's busy getting ready to Huck the Fuskies right out of Autzen, so he's probably preoccupied for the moment.

I think both Dillingham and Cignetti are worthy.

 

I lean toward giving the award to teams/coaches that catch everyone by surprise.

I suppose it really is easier to reward a coach like Dillingham this year, with the fantastic turnaround at ASU, to have it be going to a coach with that kind of achievement. My thought is that Lanning couldn't care less about winning the award, if anything he would probably be uncomfortable accepting it.