Bobby Hurley is done at Arizona State: Now what?

After more than a decade in Tempe, the era of Bobby Hurley at Arizona State is coming to an end. Hurley spent 11 seasons leading the Sun Devils and guided the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances, but the team never advanced past the First Four and struggled to gain consistent traction, especially after the move into the Big 12. 

With Hurley’s contract expiring after the 2025–26 season and the program searching for a reset, Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini faces one of the most important hires in recent school history. 

The Sun Devils sit in a difficult but intriguing position: they are in a power conference, located in a fertile recruiting region, and have strong NIL potential. But they also face stiff competition from programs like Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball and other Big 12 powers.

Here are several realistic candidates who could emerge as replacements for Hurley in 2026.

Richard Pitino

One of the most frequently mentioned names in early speculation is Richard Pitino.

Pitino has steadily built a reputation as a capable program builder. After a successful stretch at New Mexico that included an NCAA Tournament appearance, he later took over at Xavier and continued to develop his coaching résumé. 

What makes Pitino appealing for Arizona State is his balance of experience and recruiting pedigree. Being the son of legendary coach Rick Pitino has placed him around elite basketball minds for most of his life. More importantly, he has proven he can run his own program.

Pitino’s offensive philosophy emphasizes pace, guard play, and modern spacing—styles that fit the type of athletes Arizona State often recruits. If ASU wants a coach who understands big expectations and national recruiting, Pitino could be near the top of the list.

Randy Bennett

Veteran coach Randy Bennett is another name that surfaces whenever a West Coast job opens.

Bennett has spent more than two decades transforming Saint Mary’s into one of the most consistent mid-major programs in the country. His teams are known for discipline, efficient offense, and player development. 

Hiring Bennett would represent a different approach for Arizona State. Rather than chasing a flashy name, it would be about securing a proven program builder who understands how to create a winning culture.

The biggest question is whether Bennett would want to leave a comfortable long-term situation for the pressure of the Big 12.

Jerrod Calhoun

Another intriguing candidate is Jerrod Calhoun, the head coach at Utah State.

Calhoun has built a reputation as one of the rising tactical minds in college basketball. His teams are known for defensive intensity and disciplined half-court play. Some analysts believe he could be a strong candidate for the Arizona State opening if the school prioritizes a coach capable of building a structured, competitive identity. 

Calhoun has also demonstrated the ability to win with limited resources—something that could translate well to Tempe, where basketball historically has not received the same national attention as football.

If Arizona State wants a younger coach with upside and long-term stability potential, Calhoun could make sense.

Wes Miller

Wes Miller could also become a legitimate target.

Miller previously built UNC Greensboro into a consistent winner before moving to Cincinnati. While his tenure there has been uneven, he remains respected for his recruiting ability and energetic coaching style. 

Arizona State might see Miller as someone who can connect with players and recruit nationally. Tempe is a market that thrives on personality and energy, and Miller fits that mold.

If Rossini wants a coach capable of revitalizing the program’s brand and recruiting footprint, Miller could be an appealing option.

Kevin Kruger

A sentimental but potentially realistic candidate is Kevin Kruger.

Kruger played for Arizona State from 2003–2006 before eventually entering coaching and becoming the head coach at UNLV. 

Although his head coaching tenure at UNLV had mixed results, Kruger remains well connected in the basketball world and understands the Sun Devil program. Bringing back a former player could energize alumni and help reconnect the program with its history.

While he may not be the leading candidate, Kruger’s ties to the university could put him on the radar.

Chris Gerlufsen

Another name gaining traction in coaching circles is Chris Gerlufsen of San Francisco.

Gerlufsen has helped continue the strong culture built by the Dons in recent years. His teams play a modern offensive style and emphasize player development, two traits that could translate well in the NIL era. 

Arizona State may view him as a high-upside hire—someone who could bring a fresh identity and modernize the program.

The risk, of course, is that he lacks the long track record of success that some other candidates possess.

What Arizona State Needs in its Next Coach

The next hire will say a lot about Arizona State’s vision for its basketball program.

Hurley brought energy and occasional national relevance, but the Sun Devils struggled with consistency. They reached three NCAA Tournaments but never advanced beyond the First Four, leaving fans wanting more. 

To take the next step, ASU likely needs a coach who can:

• Build an identity on the court
• Recruit on a high level on the West Coast and nationally
• Increase the NIL commitment at ASU and compete in the transfer portal
• Compete at a higher level in the brutal Big 12 Conference

The program also must take advantage of its location. Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and sits in a major recruiting region that produces elite high school talent.

Final Thoughts and a Defining Moment

Replacing Bobby Hurley will be a pivotal decision for Arizona State basketball. The next coach will inherit a program with resources, a strong recruiting base, and the visibility of the Big 12.

If the Sun Devils make the right hire, they could transform from an occasional NCAA Tournament participant into a consistent contender.

If they miss, the program risks falling further behind in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.

Either way, the coaching search in Tempe is about to become one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2026 college basketball offseason.

Michael J. Wilson- The Daily Waiver

Email: dailywaiver@gmail.com Instagram: @dailywaiver Tik-Tok: @dailywaiver