Top Candidates Emerge to Succeed Bobby Hurley as ASU Head Coach
Following Bobby Hurley’s announcement that he will not return as Arizona State’s men’s basketball coach, the search for his successor is underway. The Sun Devils will face significant challenges as they seek a new leader after Hurley’s 11 seasons with the program. The upcoming head coach will need to overcome issues that have hindered NCAA Tournament success.
Key Challenges Facing ASU’s New Basketball Coach
The new head coach at Arizona State will need to navigate several obstacles:
- Resource allocation primarily favoring the football program under head coach Kenny Dillingham.
- Renovations at Desert Financial Arena with a targeted completion date of December 2029.
- Roster construction challenges with the transfer portal opening on April 7, 2024.
- Competition from other high-major schools, such as Kansas State, Syracuse, Providence, Georgia Tech, and Boston College.
Leading Candidates for ASU Head Coach Position
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, five strong candidates have emerged to replace Hurley:
1. Randy Bennett (Saint Mary’s Head Coach)
Bennett, a Mesa native, has been at Saint Mary’s since 2001, with a record of 589-227 (.722). His team currently boasts a 27-5 record, marking a strong season. With one Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, he could bring valuable experience to ASU.
2. Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State Head Coach)
At 44, Calhoun has a solid track record with a 51-14 record over two seasons at Utah State. Known for developing players, he has shown success in a program that has recently produced several coaches moving to high-major jobs. His aggressive defensive style is notable, as evidenced by Utah State ranking 28th nationally in steals.
3. Jase Coburn (Portland State Head Coach)
Coburn, a former ASU player and Valley local, has led Portland State to its best seasons in recent years. His connection to ASU could attract local interest, and he recently won his first regular-season title, showcasing his growth as a coach.
4. Eric Olen (New Mexico Head Coach)
Olen, 45, previously gained recognition at UC San Diego and has demonstrated success in New Mexico with a 22-9 record. His analytics-driven approach has revitalized the Lobos, especially evident in the performance of his players on the offensive end.
5. Josh Schertz (Saint Louis Head Coach)
Schertz has experienced considerable success at both Saint Louis and Indiana State. His teams have excelled at shooting, leading the nation in three-point percentage this season. With a solid background in program building, he could influence ASU’s future direction positively.
Conclusion
The decision about who will succeed Bobby Hurley as ASU’s head coach will significantly impact the program’s future. The new coach must address various challenges, including roster changes and competition for top talent. ASU intends to conduct a swift coaching search, especially with roster decisions looming.
