With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, college basketball is bracing for significant coaching changes this offseason. CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander has reported that the number of coaching changes could reach as many as 50 by the end of the month. A notable update predicts that one of the top-paid coaches in the sport, Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley, is likely to be departing after 11 seasons with the program.
Norlander emphasizes that Hurley, who has led Arizona State to a 16-14 record this season, is effectively coaching on a one-way ticket out, as he enters the final year of his contract. Historically, Hurley leaves a mark as the second-best coach in terms of total wins and NCAA Tournament appearances, having guided the Sun Devils to the tournament in 2018, 2019, and 2023. Still, a shift appears imminent, with industry insiders anticipating this vacancy for quite some time.
Throughout his tenure, Hurley has successfully recruited top talent, being responsible for nine of the program’s ten highest-ranked recruits. Unfortunately for ASU fans, the program has not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2022-23 season and has finished below .500 in five of the last seven years.
Interestingly, Arizona State might avoid a substantial financial blow—amounting to a $4.2 million buyout—simply by opting not to renew Hurley’s contract as it expires after the current season. While a strong performance in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament or the NCAA Tournament could sway the decision-makers’ views, Hurley’s overall performance provides a considerable amount of insight into his future with the program.
As the coaching landscape in college basketball shifts, so too does the possibility for positive change, potentially bringing new energy and talent to Arizona State’s program.