Arizona State University is finalizing an agreement to hire Randy Bennett as the new head coach for its men’s basketball program, according to multiple sources. Bennett, currently the head coach at Saint Mary’s College, has reportedly informed his team of his decision to leave.
Bennett, who is 63 years old and an Arizona native, has been at Saint Mary’s since 2001. During his tenure, he transformed the Gaels into a nationally recognized mid-major program, leading them to 12 NCAA tournament appearances. His teams have secured at least a share of four consecutive West Coast Conference regular-season championships, reflecting sustained excellence.
Before Bennett’s era, Saint Mary’s had limited success with only three NCAA tournament appearances and four conference championships. The season prior to his hiring, the team had a dismal 2-27 record. Bennett’s leadership changed the trajectory, with the Gaels achieving 20 or more wins in 18 of the last 19 seasons. The program reached a high point in the 2017-18 season, recording 30 victories.
Bennett’s impact extended to national recognition as well. Saint Mary’s was ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 for one or more weeks in 12 seasons under his guidance, compared to just two such seasons in the school’s history before he arrived. He earned West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors seven times, establishing a notable rivalry with Gonzaga’s Mark Few.
To fill Bennett’s role, Saint Mary’s is expected to promote associate head coach Mickey McConnell. McConnell, a former player for Bennett from 2007 to 2011, has been coaching with the Gaels since 2019, making him a logical successor.
At Arizona State, Bennett will take over from Bobby Hurley, whose contract was not renewed following the most recent season. Hurley’s 11-year tenure saw the Sun Devils make three NCAA tournament appearances but fell short of raising the program consistently to higher competitive levels.
Bennett’s hiring signals a significant shift for Arizona State athletics. It reflects the university’s renewed dedication to building a more competitive basketball program. This change aligns with broader athletic department initiatives under athletic director Graham Rossini, who joined the university in May 2024.
Rossini has overseen recent successes including Arizona State’s first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Kenny Dillingham and securing a long-term contract extension for Dillingham. The university also earned the inaugural Big 12 Commissioner’s Cup, awarded based on graduation rates, athletic achievements, and community involvement.
Moreover, the arrival of Bennett complements the early successes seen in ASU’s basketball programs. First-year women’s coach Molly Miller led the team to an NCAA tournament appearance, adding momentum to the Sun Devils’ athletics.
In sum, Randy Bennett’s expected transition to Arizona State heralds a new chapter for the program. His proven track record of sustained winning and player development could enhance the team’s competitiveness within the Pac-12 Conference and nationally. Arizona State’s commitment to investing in athletics appears poised to grow under his leadership.
Read more at: www.espn.com-
-
-
-
