
Bobby Hurley departs as Arizona State men's basketball coach after disappointing tenure
Bobby Hurley departs as Arizona State men's basketball coach after disappointing tenure
- Bobby Hurley, during his 11 years at Arizona State, had a record of 184-166 and led the team to the NCAA Tournament three times.
- The Sun Devils struggled in recent seasons, missing the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year, which likely influenced the decision about Hurley's future.
- As a result of these disappointing outcomes, Arizona State's coaching position is expected to see changes, with potential candidates being a known coach or a promising assistant.
Story
In Tempe, Arizona, Bobby Hurley’s long tenure as the men's basketball coach at Arizona State University is coming to a close. Recently, it was reported that Hurley will not return for a 12th season, as his contract is set to expire at the end of June 2026. Over the course of his eleven seasons with the Sun Devils, Hurley compiled an overall record of 184 wins and 166 losses. Despite some seasons showing promise, including four campaigns with at least 20 wins, the team struggled in recent years and failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons, leaving doubts about the future of the program under his leadership. Hurley, who led the Sun Devils to their highest national ranking in decades, has faced scrutiny and pressure regarding his performance. The current season proved to be a pivotal one, as winning games became essential for Hurley to secure an extension for his contract. Unfortunately for him, despite some notable victories, such as defeating ranked teams like Texas Tech and Kansas, the team's inconsistency ultimately jeopardized his position. As Arizona State prepares for a significant $100 million renovation of its basketball arena, the coaching situation has created uncertainty within the program. There is speculation about who the Sun Devils might pursue next, whether they will opt for a more established coach, or look towards a younger rising assistant coach. The cocktail of recent failures, along with limited pressure compared to other institutions, positions the program to be an attractive opportunity for prospective coaches moving forward.