ASU Seeks New Men's Basketball Coach to Fit Program's Needs

Athletic director says the right candidate must understand Arizona State and what the job entails.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:37pm

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Arizona State University is searching for a new men's basketball coach after parting ways with Bobby Hurley. Athletic director Graham Rossini says the school is looking for a specific candidate who will be excited about the ASU job and understand the unique needs of the program, rather than just someone looking to move up to a Power 5 conference. The school has enlisted a search firm and expects a strong candidate pool, with renovations to the aging Desert Financial Arena also underway.

Why it matters

This will be a crucial hire for ASU as they look to build momentum across their athletic department. The new coach will need to navigate the challenges of the aging arena and limited NIL budget compared to conference peers, while also connecting with the local community and energizing the fan base.

The details

Arizona State moved quickly to part ways with coach Bobby Hurley after the team's elimination from the Big 12 tournament. Athletic director Graham Rossini says the school is looking for a coach who is excited about the ASU job specifically, not just using it as a stepping stone. The school has enlisted Elevate Search Partners to conduct a national search, and Rossini says a strong candidate pool has already emerged, with interest from successful head coaches, ready assistants, and those with NBA backgrounds.

  • The transfer portal opens on April 7, immediately after the NCAA Tournament.
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The players

Graham Rossini

The athletic director at Arizona State University who is leading the search for a new men's basketball coach.

Bobby Hurley

The former men's basketball coach at Arizona State University who was recently let go by the program.

Elevate Search Partners LLC

The search firm that Arizona State has enlisted to help find the program's next men's basketball coach.

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What they’re saying

“I want somebody who is going to be excited to be the men's basketball coach at Arizona State. Not a chance to be a Power 4 head coach. Not a chance to join the Big 12. How is their style, their background, their lived experiences a fit for what we need at this exact moment? That's a very specific fit.”

— Graham Rossini, Athletic Director, Arizona State University (azcentral.com)

“We've got momentum across all levels of the department. That's what's really the most exciting thing for me at this moment as we open the position. A lot of interest from all walks of the sport. We've got successful head coaches, you've got ready assistants. You've got people with NBA backgrounds who found ways to make it known that if you want to consider me, I'd love to be on the list.”

— Graham Rossini, Athletic Director, Arizona State University (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This coaching search will be a critical moment for ASU athletics as they look to build on momentum across their department. The new coach will need to navigate challenges like the aging arena and limited NIL budget, while also connecting with the local community and energizing the fan base.