As has long been expected, Bobby Hurley is out as the head basketball coach at Arizona State. The Sun Devils aren't necessarily known to be a prime destination for basketball, but there are enough features here to attract some quality candidates, as we explored recently.
It's already been reported that Derek Glasser, the former Sun Devil point guard currently working as an assistant at UC Santa Barbara, is very much in the mix. In addition to Glasser here are 15 names who could be in the mix at Arizona State.
Saint Mary's HC Randy Bennett
The skinny: Randy Bennett has been one of the most consistent coaches in college basketball for the last two decades, and he'd be a bigger name if he didn't coach in the same division as Gonzaga. St. Mary's has been a powerhouse under Bennett, going 589-226 over 25 seasons. Since 2015, Bennett has finished shy of 25 wins just once (not counting the pandemic-shortened season) and is coming off four consecutive tournament appearances.
Why it might happen: For starters, Bennett grew up in the Valley. The Mesa native began his playing career at Mesa Community College before transferring to UC San Diego. He's had tremendous success at St. Mary's, a program without top end resources, and might be open to finally leaving for a higher profile job after turning down overtures from other programs over the years.
Why it might not: Bennett will be 64 years old by the time next season tips off, and the Sun Devils may look for a younger name to lead their program. It's also possible that Bennett, who has expressed interest in this job in the past, may no longer be interested in making a move. After all, he's been with the Gaels since 2001; why change now?
Saint Louis HC Josh Schertz
The skinny: Josh Schertz is going to be at the top of every program's list this cycle. In his second season at Saint Louis, he has the Billikens sitting at 26-3 and ranked inside the Top 25. That's after he turned Indiana State into a 32-win team in just three years. He also went 337-69 at Division II Lincoln Memorial, reaching the Final Four twice.
Why it might happen: Schertz is destined for a bigger job right now. He's turned around three smaller programs and he's exactly the kind of guy who could thrive on the Power 4 level. His success in spite of having elite resources makes him an ideal fit at Arizona State, too, where he'd have the spotlight of the Big 12 without the instant pressure to deliver a tournament run.
Why it might not: As mentioned. Schertz is going to be on every list for every school that's hiring. He will absolutely get better offers than the Sun Devils. The Brooklyn native has already been linked to Syracuse, who is widely expected to have an opening sooner rather than later.
Oklahoma HC Porter Moser
The skinny: It wasn't long ago that Porter Moser was what Josh Schertz is now. After toiling at Loyola-Chicago, he struck gold in his seventh season, taking the Ramblers all the way to the Final Four. Miraculously, he stayed put after that season, and brought them back to the Sweet Sixteen three years later. He then parlayed that success into the Oklahoma job, where heightened expectations have seemingly dragged him down.
Why it might happen: On paper, Arizona State feels like a happy medium between Loyola Chicago and Oklahoma. He'll have more resources and coach in a better conference than his first job, and the Sun Devils aren't going to expect conference titles every year like his current job. Not only that, but Moser's infectious positivity and work ethic would surely remind some of Molly Miller, who is thriving in the same arena.
Why it might not: A month ago, Moser seemed like a goner. Even if he wasn't fired, many expected him to at least entertain offers elsewhere. But a thrilling upset over Vanderbilt sparked a late-season turnaround, and Oklahoma won six of their final eight games. Perhaps Moser and Oklahoma won't be breaking up after all.
New Mexico HC Eric Olen
The skinny: Another rising name, Eric Olen is wrapping up his first year coaching away from UC San Diego. He spent nine seasons assisting his former college coach for the Tritons before taking over, where he went 240-119 over 12 years, including five tournament appearances. He left for New Mexico this year, where he's continued his success with a 22-7 record.
Why it might happen: Olen checks a lot of boxes. He's an up-and-comer with proven experience at the Division II and mid-major levels; he's now shown he can replicate that success elsewhere; and he has strong recruiting connections in the same regions Arizona State needs to win. Also of note: he grew up in Mobile, Alabama, the same place athletics director Graham Rossini grew up.
Why it might not: For the same reason Josh Schertz feels unrealistic, Olen may become too big a name. If this cycle becomes crowded, it won't take long before Olen is a hot commodity. Olen also may not be ready to leave Albuquerque after just one year, especially for a program as threadbare as the Sun Devils have been in recent years.
Creighton HC Greg McDermott
The skinny: Greg McDermott has built so sterling a reputation at Creighton that it's easy to forget how disastrous his four-year run at Iowa State once was. In 16 seasons with the Bluejays, McDermott is 365-187 with 10 tournament appearances, including three trips to the Sweet Sixteen.
Why it might happen: McDermott was linked to the Arizona State job back in February by hoops insider Jeff Goodman. Last year, Creighton hired alum Alan Huss away from a head coaching job to be the head coach-in-waiting. Now that the hiring cycle is approaching, speculation is growing that Creighton may be itching to get Huss promoted before another school poaches him. That means McDermott would need somewhere to go, and he already owns a home in the Valley.
Why it might not happen: McDermott will turn 62 in November, and would probably rather retire than try to turn around a program with middling resources in the toughest conference in basketball. McDermott also got eaten alive the last time he coached in the Big 12, winning just 18 conference games in four years. The Big 12 has become much tougher since then.
Tulsa HC Eric Konkol
The skinny: A proven program builder, Eric Konkol is going to get some traction this cycle. The longtime Jim Larrañaga disciple took over his own program back in 2015, going 153-75 in seven seasons at Louisiana Tech. He then went to Tulsa, where coaches like Bill Self, Tubby Smith, and Buzz Peterson have all used as stepping stones. After a slow rebuild, Konkol has the Golden Hurricane in the dance after a 23-6 finish in his fourth season.
Why it might happen: Konkol has a strong coaching pedigree and has shown he's capable of building winners when given time. A bigger name program won't be as patient as Louisiana Tech or Tulsa were, but Arizona State - whose past four coaches have all lasted at least eight years - can afford to let Konkol cook.
Why it might not: Konkol is from Wisconsin and may have his eyes set on a Big Ten job if/when he leaves Tulsa. He also began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Tulsa, and he's beloved by the fan base. It's not exactly a given that he's going to leave just because he's had some success.
Northwestern HC Chris Collins
The skinny: Northwestern has never been known as a basketball school, but Chris Collins has come as close as anyone to changing that. Consecutive tournament appearances from 2022 to 2024 marked the most successful stretch in program history, and Collins held a 194-190 record in 12 seasons coming into this one. He also earned an extension in the offseason, though a dismal 13-16 (5-13) year may have some rethinking that.
Why it might happen: Collins has enjoyed serious job security in Evanston, but his tenure has raised the bar in a way that might not be realistic going forward. A mutual parting of ways may be in everyone's best interest, at which point Arizona State is situated similarly in the Big 12 hierarchy to Northwestern in the Big Ten hierarchy, but with more realistic expectations.
Why it might not: Collins is a Chicago man. His father is Doug Collins, who coached the Bulls in the 80's and later led other NBA teams. (Ironically, the elder Collins was an assistant for the Sun Devils immediately prior to his stint in Chicago). Chris Collins seems content right where he is, and the most logical outcome is for him to stick with the Wildcats.
Utah State HC Jerrod Calhoun
The skinny: One of the hottest mid-major coaches right now, Jerrod Calhoun seems destined for a top job this cycle. He went 124-38 in five seasons with Division II Fairmont State, then took Youngstown State from an 8-win season to consecutive seasons with 22+ wins. Now, in two years at Utah State, he's 50-13 with two tournament bids.
Why it might happen: Calhoun has had great success turning around programs without elite resources and, at 44, he's fairly young for someone who just wrapped his 14th season as a head coach. He's also been coaching in the region these past two years, and Arizona State would represent a nearby move while also bringing greater resources.
Why it might not: Calhoun is a big name, and he's sure to be pursued by schools with more money and more pull. An Ohio native, Calhoun has already been linked to Ohio State if that job opens. Other schools closer to home can offer more enticing benefits, too.
Portland State HC Jase Coburn
The skinny: Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Jase Coburn played college ball at MiraCosta College in California before earning a degree from Arizona State back in 2006. His first head coaching job came at McClintock High School, and he later took over at Portland State after eight seasons as an assistant there. He just finished his best year yet, winning the Big Sky outright and being named the conference's Coach of the Year.
Why it might happen: Perhaps the closest you can get to the basketball version of Kenny Dillingham, Coburn is an alum who grew up in the Valley and even coached in the Arizona high school circuit. At 42 years old, he offers a rare blend of youth and experience, along with the obvious ties to the university.
Why it might not happen: Is Coburn ready to coach in the Big 12? He's never topped 19 regular season wins at Portland State, and the Vikings are 139th in NET rankings this year, going 0-4 against Quad 1 and Quad 2 teams. They also lost a non-conference game to Colorado, who finished with the same Big 12 record as Arizona State this year. It's hard to make the case that Coburn's time at Portland State reflects a readiness for the kind of step up that the Sun Devils would represent.
Troy HC Scott Cross
The skinny: A proven winner, Scott Cross represents an under-the-radar candidate who could be a slam dunk. In 12 seasons leading his alma mater, UT Arlington, Cross compiled a 225-161 record, which places him as the program's winningest coach. After one season working under TCU's Jamie Dixon, Cross took over Troy, where he's won 20+ games each of the last five years and took the Trojans to the tournament for just the third time ever last season.
Why it might happen: Cross has proven his ability to build consistent winners at schools not typically known for basketball - at Troy, specifically, he did so knowing full well the football program is the top priority - and those skills would translate well to Arizona State. The Texas native would also be a bit closer to home in the Valley, and he could try to replicate football's successful #Texas2Tempe recruiting pipeline.
Why it might not: Cross isn't the biggest name on this list, but he was just named the Sun Belt Coach of the Year. Another tournament appearance may get him stronger consideration from other schools. Cross also isn't one to move jobs easily, having coached at just three schools since 1998.
USF HC Bryan Hodgson
The skinny: A disciple of Alabama coach Nate Oats, Bryan Hodgson has quickly made a name for himself. He went 45-28 in two seasons at Arkansas State and just finished 21-8 in his first year leading South Florida. His teams have won outright conference titles each of the last two years.
Why it might happen: Hodgson comes from a strong coaching background and is destined for a bigger program. Arizona State isn't a drastic step up from South Florida, but the allure of the Big 12 can help out greatly here.
Why it might not: Hodgson is a born and raised New Yorker, and it's been a poorly kept secret that he has his eye on the Syracuse job. In the event that Josh Schertz isn't interested in the Orange (assuming, of course, that job opens up), Hodgson is widely believed to be the frontrunner for the job.
Michigan assistant Mike Boynton
The skinny: Mike Boynton was once a rising star of his own, coaching alongside and then under Brad Underwood - now the successful head coach at Illinois - at Stephen F Austin. Boynton followed Underwood to Oklahoma State, and was promoted to head coach after one season that saw the Cowboys reach the tourney. Boynton would go 119-109 in seven seasons in Stillwater before being fired last year. He only made the tournament once, but did land Cade Cunningham, the nation's top high school player in the 2020 class.
Why it might happen: Boynton's resume at Oklahoma State isn't amazing, but the program has even less support than many realize. Boynton was always renowned for his coaching ability in Stillwater, often getting the most out of middling recruiting classes, and has served as a key assistant for Dusty May the last two seasons at Michigan.
Why it might not: Simply put, Boynton isn't a sexy hire, and the Sun Devils can't risk any more fan apathy in basketball. Boynton may be a good coach, but bringing him to Tempe would not ignite the fan base in the way many are hoping.
Houston assistant KC Beard
The skinny: Viewed by many as a rising star who is bound to be a head coach sooner, rather than later, KC Beard has been a key cog in the dominant Houston program for some time. Beard started out as the Cougars' video coordinator before being elevated to assistant coach in 2021, during which time he's become a trusted assistant for the highly successful Kelvin Sampson. Beard has also interned with the NBA's Jazz and Trail Blazers over the years, in addition to the Canadian National Team.
Why it might happen: Houston has been dominant in recent years, posting four 30+ win seasons in the last seven years and reaching at least the Sweet Sixteen in their last five seasons. Beard has been with the program for all of that, learning from Sampson and taking on more responsibility each year. There's no sure bet with a first time head coach, but Beard is probably as close as it gets.
Why it might not: There's no sure bet with a first time head coach, plain and simple. Most coaches have to toil around at a smaller program first, and Arizona State hasn't hired a basketball coach without prior head coaching experience since Steve Patterson in the late 80's; Patterson was fired during his fourth season with a 48-56 record.
Former Suns HC Mike Budenholzer
The skinny: A longtime NBA coach, Mike Budenholzer has a career record of 520-363. Budenholzer spent 17 seasons as an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs, winning four rings in that span, before getting hired as the Atlanta Hawks head coach. He later coached the Milwaukee Bucks, winning a championship there, before spending last season as the Suns head coach, though he was fired after one year.
Why it might happen: Budenholzer is an Arizona native, something that initially enticed him in taking the Suns job. At 56 years old, Budenholzer has plenty left in the tank and might be interested in venturing to the college ranks. His championship pedigree would certainly make for an intriguing draw in Tempe.
Why it might not: For one, Budenholzer has never coached in the college ranks. He'd also be inheriting a program whose fan base also primarily roots for the Suns, and they just cheered his firing not too long ago.
Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn
The skinny: A former standout guard at Notre Dame, Chris Quinn enjoyed six years playing in the NBA, primarily for the Miami Heat. He's since gotten into coaching, starting out as an assistant for the aforementioned Chris Collins at Northwestern. Since 2014, Quinn has been working under Erik Spoelstra with the Heat, and he was promoted to associate head coach two years ago. Quinn was also a finalist for the Phoenix Suns head coaching job this past offseason.
Why it might happen: More and more college programs are looking to NBA coaches these days, with BYU being the most successful example. Quinn is a highly regarded assistant with a future as a head coach. He's been cited as a key part of the development of several big names in Miami, and Quinn's youth and energy would match that of Kenny Dillingham and Molly Miller.
Why it might not: Outside of his one season at Northwestern, Quinn has no real experience at the college level. In a changing landscape where recruiting is everything, Arizona State may want someone with proven ability at this level. Quinn may also be content waiting on an NBA head coaching gig, for which he's very much on track.