TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University is on the verge of naming Saint Mary’s College head coach Randy Bennett as its next men’s basketball coach, a move that signals a significant investment in the program and a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the Big 12 Conference. Sources confirmed to time.news that a five-year deal is being finalized, bringing an end to a search following the departure of Bobby Hurley earlier this year. The hiring of Bennett, a native of San Diego, California, represents a departure from the program’s recent recruiting focus and a commitment to a coach known for building consistent success through player development and a strong team culture.
The agreement, first reported by ESPN, comes after Bennett informed his Saint Mary’s team of his decision on Monday afternoon. The Gaels are expected to promote associate head coach Mickey McConnell, a former player under Bennett, to the head coaching position. This transition at Saint Mary’s allows Arizona State to quickly secure a coach with a proven track record of success, particularly in navigating the challenges of mid-major basketball and consistently reaching the NCAA Tournament. The move is being viewed as a coup for athletic director Graham Rossini, who has been actively working to elevate all of ASU’s athletic programs since his hiring in May 2024.
Bennett, 63, has spent the last 25 seasons leading the Saint Mary’s Gaels, transforming them into a perennial NCAA Tournament contender. Under his guidance, Saint Mary’s has achieved 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen run in 2010 as a No. 2 seed, where they upset Villanova. His teams have consistently excelled in the West Coast Conference (WCC), winning at least a share of four consecutive regular-season championships and reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of the last five seasons. Before Bennett arrived in Moraga, California, in 2001, the Gaels had only made three NCAA Tournament appearances and won four conference titles; the year before his arrival, they finished with a dismal 2-27 record. Saint Mary’s success under Bennett has been built on a foundation of disciplined defense, efficient offense, and a commitment to recruiting and developing players who fit his system.
A Consistent Winner Heads to Tempe
Bennett’s coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. He has consistently maximized the talent on his roster, often outperforming teams with more highly-touted recruits. His success has been recognized with seven West Coast Conference Coach of the Year awards, and he has fostered a competitive rivalry with Gonzaga’s Mark Few, consistently challenging the Bulldogs’ dominance in the WCC. He’s known for his ability to build a strong program culture, attracting players who value hard work, dedication, and a team-first approach.
The decision to pursue Bennett represents a strategic shift for Arizona State. Hurley, who coached the Sun Devils for 11 seasons, focused heavily on recruiting high-profile players, with mixed results. While Hurley led ASU to three NCAA Tournament appearances, the program struggled to maintain consistent success and faced challenges with player retention. The university’s decision not to renew Hurley’s contract signaled a desire for a coach who could build a more sustainable program based on strong fundamentals and player development. Hurley’s departure followed a season where the Sun Devils finished 13-19 overall and 8-12 in Big 12 play.
ASU’s Athletic Momentum
Bennett’s arrival comes at a time of growing momentum for Arizona State athletics. The football program, under head coach Kenny Dillingham, made a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and was subsequently rewarded with a five-year contract extension. First-year women’s basketball coach Molly Miller led the Sun Devils to an early NCAA Tournament appearance, further boosting the profile of the athletic department. Rossini, the athletic director, has been instrumental in driving this positive change, prioritizing investment in both marquee and non-revenue sports.
This commitment to athletics was further underscored by Arizona State winning the inaugural Big 12 Commissioner’s Cup. The award recognizes overall excellence in athletics, academics, and community engagement, taking into account graduation success rates, conference championships, and on-campus programs focused on student-athlete well-being. The university’s success in the Commissioner’s Cup demonstrates a holistic approach to athletics, prioritizing both athletic achievement and the academic and personal development of its student-athletes.
What’s Next for the Sun Devils
The immediate focus for Bennett will be to assess the current roster and begin building a recruiting strategy tailored to his system. He will demand to quickly establish a strong relationship with the players and staff, and begin laying the foundation for a program that can consistently compete in the Big 12 Conference. The conference, known for its competitive depth, presents a significant challenge, but Bennett’s experience and track record suggest he is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the league.
The official announcement of Bennett’s hiring is expected in the coming days, after the final details of the contract are finalized. Saint Mary’s will then turn its attention to McConnell, who is widely expected to grab the reins of the program. For Arizona State, the hiring of Bennett represents a bold step forward, signaling a commitment to building a men’s basketball program that can compete at the highest level. The Sun Devils’ fans and alumni will be watching closely to see how Bennett translates his success from the West Coast Conference to the challenging environment of the Big 12.
The next official update regarding the hiring is expected from the Arizona State University athletic department within the week. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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