Kenny Dillingham’s first high school coaching gig was at Chaparral, his alma mater, as the offensive coordinator for the freshman team.
It was a chance for him to learn the ropes as play-caller and mentor. Little did he know it was the start of a decorated coaching career and life passion for not only him but his first pupil.
Dillingham’s first starting quarterback was Sean Paul Brophy. From freshman year to the varsity level, Dillingham and Brophy grew together in their respective roles and helped get the Firebirds to the state championship game in Brophy’s junior season.
The next season, Dillingham took a job on Todd Graham’s staff in Tempe and rose up the ranks in the college coaching world. After playing at Incarnate Word, Brophy connected with Eric Morris and has followed a similar path.
Now both are in the Big 12.
Dillingham is entering his fourth season leading the Sun Devil program. Brophy – one of college football’s rising coaching stars – is in his first year as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator.
Along with Morris, Brophy looks to help the Cowboys start a new era in Stillwater with highly-touted quarterback Drew Mestemaker leading the way.
Even after all these years, Dillingham and Brophy remain close. They look back on their time together at Chaparral fondly and support each other as they navigate new chapters in Power 4 football.
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