The Sun Devils seek a fresh start after Bobby Hurley’s departure, tapping into Bennett's proven success.
Category: Sports
Arizona State University has officially hired Randy Bennett, the former head coach of Saint Mary’s College, to lead its men’s basketball program, the school announced on March 23, 2026. This decision comes after a disappointing season and the end of Bobby Hurley’s 11-year tenure, which saw the Sun Devils make three NCAA tournament appearances but fail to achieve sustained success.
Bennett, who is 63 and an Arizona native, brings a wealth of experience and a strong coaching reputation to Tempe. He has guided Saint Mary’s to 12 NCAA tournament appearances since taking over the program back in 2001. Under his leadership, the Gaels won at least a share of four consecutive West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season championships and reached the NCAA tournament every year for the past five seasons. Notably, they made a Sweet 16 run during the 2010 tournament, upsetting Villanova.
Before Bennett’s arrival, Saint Mary’s had struggled significantly, with only three NCAA tournament appearances and four conference championships to its name. The season prior to his hiring, the Gaels recorded a dismal 2-27 record. Bennett transformed the program, achieving 20 or more wins for 18 of the last 19 seasons, including an impressive 30-win season during 2017-18. His teams were ranked within the Associated Press Top 25 for 12 different seasons, a stark improvement from just two such rankings before he took the helm.
“It was going to take a special situation for us to leave Saint Mary’s, and I am energized, driven, and focused on taking over Sun Devil Basketball, a program I am very familiar with and grew up watching,” Bennett said, expressing his enthusiasm for the new role. “We are in the best basketball conference, and I look forward to the opportunity and am excited to meet everyone who wants to help this program reach our goals.”
With Bennett's hiring, Arizona State aims to rejuvenate its basketball program, which has faced scrutiny over its commitment to athletics. Athletic director Graham Rossini, who joined the university's administration last May, has emphasized the need for improvement across all sports. He stated, “Coach Bennett is one of the most accomplished and respected coaches, and we were drawn to his sustained success and strong recruiting relationships, particularly on the West Coast.”
Rossini’s push for enhanced athletic performance at ASU has already yielded results. The Sun Devils’ women’s basketball team, under first-year coach Molly Miller, recently made an NCAA tournament appearance, adding to the excitement surrounding ASU basketball. Meanwhile, the football program saw a resurgence under coach Kenny Dillingham, who led the team to a College Football Playoff appearance and secured a five-year contract that includes substantial commitments to the program.
To fill the void left by Bennett at Saint Mary’s, the school has promoted associate head coach Mickey McConnell. A former player for Bennett from 2007 to 2011, McConnell has been part of the coaching staff since 2019 and is seen by many within the program and community to be a strong successor.
“Bennett’s hiring signals a major shift for Arizona State athletics,” said Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest. “It reflects the university’s renewed dedication to building a more competitive basketball program, aligning with broader initiatives under Rossini.”
Historically, ASU has faced challenges establishing itself among the elite programs within the Pac-12 Conference. The Sun Devils’ basketball program has been inconsistent, with Hurley’s tenure marked by flashes of success but an inability to maintain momentum. By bringing Bennett on board, ASU is betting on his proven track record to change the narrative.
“Bennett’s arrival complements the early successes seen within ASU’s basketball programs,” Rabino added. “His experience and success at Saint Mary’s could be just what the Sun Devils need to become a competitive force.”
With a five-year contract reportedly on the table, the stakes are high for both Bennett and Arizona State. The Sun Devils are eager to reestablish themselves not just within the Pac-12 but also on the national stage. Bennett’s appointment is seen by many analysts and fans alike not just a coaching change, but a transformative moment for ASU basketball.
“The commitment to athletics at Arizona State has been questioned for years, but this hire indicates a willingness to invest and improve,” said ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. “Bennett’s leadership could reinvigorate the program and attract top talent, which is imperative for ASU to compete at a higher level.”
Arizona State's decision to hire Bennett comes at a time when the university is striving to redefine its athletic identity. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Sun Devils are hopeful that under Bennett’s guidance, the men’s basketball program can achieve the success that has eluded it for so long.
Only time will tell if this bold move pays off, but the energy surrounding ASU basketball is palpable. The Sun Devils are ready for a new chapter, and with Randy Bennett at the helm, they might just be on the brink of a renaissance.
For fans and players alike, the upcoming season promises to be filled with anticipation and excitement, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a successful era for Arizona State basketball.