Bobby Hurley will no longer be the head coach for Arizona State men’s basketball. The announcement came after the team lost to Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament. ASU is now in search of a new coach, who will face challenges that held back Hurley during his 11 seasons.
One major hurdle is funding. Resources will remain focused on the football program as long as Kenny Dillingham is performing well. Meanwhile, renovations at Desert Financial Arena are planned, but won’t finish until December 2029.
The new coach needs to act fast. The transfer portal opens on April 7. This means players can enter the portal before the new coach is even hired, making roster management urgent. ASU will also be competing against other programs like Kansas State and Syracuse for a top-tier candidate.
Top Candidates for ASU Coach
Randy Bennett (Saint Mary’s)
Bennett has deep roots in Arizona and has led Saint Mary’s since 2001 with a strong record of 589 wins to 227 losses. This season, his team is at 27-5. Some speculate that he might be looking for a new challenge, especially with Gonzaga leaving the WCC.Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State)
At 44, Calhoun has already made a name for himself with a 51-14 record at Utah State. He also revitalized Youngstown State, making it a contender. His team ranks 28th nationally in steals, showcasing his defensive expertise.Jase Coburn (Portland State)
Coburn, a local who graduated from ASU, grew his team over the past five years into a competitive force. This season, his team fell short in the Big Sky Tournament but showed promise with a solid winning record.Eric Olen (New Mexico)
Olen has connections to ASU through athletic director Graham Rossini. He is gaining recognition thanks to an analytics-driven coaching style that has led to impressive success at New Mexico, boasting a 22-9 record.Josh Schertz (Saint Louis)
Schertz is a proven winner, having turned Saint Louis into a strong program with a focus on effective three-point shooting. He previously achieved remarkable success at Lincoln Memorial.
These candidates not only bring strong backgrounds but also a fresh perspective on building ASU’s future. The excitement around the upcoming choice reflects the community’s hopes for the program’s revival after a tough period.
