Arizona State Fires Basketball Coach Bobby Hurley

Will his successor have the resources to thrive in the sport's new era?

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:27am

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Arizona State University has fired men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley after 11 seasons, following a 49-point loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament. Hurley's tenure had mixed results, with the team reaching the NCAA Tournament three times but also struggling with inconsistent performance and fan support. The university now faces the challenge of finding a new coach who can elevate the program and compete in the highly competitive Big 12 conference, while also navigating the changing landscape of college sports that prioritizes football revenue.

Why it matters

Arizona State's men's basketball program has long struggled to establish itself as a consistent contender, despite having periods of moderate success under coaches like Herb Sendek and Hurley. The university's next hire will be crucial in determining whether the team can break out of its historical mediocrity and become a regular NCAA Tournament participant, while also competing with in-state rival Arizona for recruiting and fan attention.

The details

Hurley's dismissal came after a 91-42 loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament, capping another disappointing season for the Sun Devils. During his 11-year tenure, Hurley led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances but also had several underwhelming campaigns. The university is now tasked with finding a replacement who can elevate the program, with indications that the administration is willing to provide more resources and support, including a $100 million renovation of the team's home arena.

  • On March 12, 2026, Arizona State University fired head basketball coach Bobby Hurley.
  • Hurley's dismissal came two days after his predecessor, Herb Sendek, led Santa Clara to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years.

The players

Bobby Hurley

The former head coach of the Arizona State men's basketball team, who was dismissed after 11 seasons and three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Herb Sendek

The previous head coach of the Arizona State men's basketball team, who was fired after nine seasons despite leading the team to five 20-win seasons and two NCAA Tournament bids.

Graham Rossini

The current athletic director of Arizona State University, who is seen as a more competent leader than previous ADs and is expected to support the next basketball coach.

Michael Crow

The president of Arizona State University, who is reportedly willing to provide more resources and support for the men's basketball program, including a $100 million renovation of the team's home arena.

Randy Bennett

The head coach of the Saint Mary's Gaels, who is considered a potential top target for the Arizona State job due to his success and local ties.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long road; it's been a special time. I'm not sure what's going to happen because I don't know. I haven't spoken directly about my future. But I don't have any regrets. I have laid it out on the line to the best that I could every night … I did it until the last buzzer sounded.”

— Bobby Hurley, Former Head Coach

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee

What’s next

The university will now begin a search for a new head basketball coach, with indications that they are willing to provide more resources and support to the program in order to elevate it to the top tier of the Big 12 conference.

The takeaway

Arizona State's dismissal of Bobby Hurley highlights the challenges facing basketball programs at football-focused universities, as they must balance the need to invest heavily in their football teams to secure their place in the evolving landscape of college sports with the desire to build a successful men's basketball program. The Sun Devils' next hire will be crucial in determining whether they can break out of their historical mediocrity and become a consistent contender, but doing so will require significant institutional support and financial resources.