Arizona State football program gets $10 million endowment

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham begged for a big donor to step up. He likes where the program is from a fan support standpoint, as well as how local businesses have embraced him and the team. Some outsiders were critical of his open plea, which he first made in talking about his contract extension.

Well, it has worked. Not only did he get help with funds for the new indoor football practice facility, but now Brian and Kelly Swette have stepped up with a $10 million gift for the Swette Family Endowed Football Coach position. Their $10 million gift is the largest endowed leadership position at ASU.

The Swettes founded Sweet Earth Natural Foods in 2012. The company offers a line of convenient frozen vegetarian and vegan meals. Kelly Swette previously was director of marketing and director of national sales at PepsiCo and as global vice president of marketing at Calvin Klein.

Brian Swette previously was an executive with PepsiCo and chief operating officer at eBay, executive vice president at PepsiCo, chief operating officer at eBay and chairman of Burger King and Shutterfly. According to the school's press release, that money will go toward : Recruitment and retention of the best and brightest student-athletes to ASU Recruitment and retention of best-in-class coaches and staff Retention and compensation of Sun Devil Football student-athletes as allowed by the NCAA New technologies to enhance athletes’ physical and mental development It is the second endowed coaching position at the university, following one for men's hockey in late 2025. No doubt, the football program is enjoying a resurgence under Dillingham.