TEMPE, Ariz. — Bobby Hurley will not return as head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils for a 12th season, the university announced Wednesday.
Athletic director Graham Rossini stated, “Bobby Hurley has made incredible contributions to the sport of basketball, and that certainly includes many memorable moments during his time as our head coach. While we will not be extending his contract, we are so grateful for the 11 years that Coach, Leslie, Cameron, Sydney, and Bobby Jr. Spent with us at ASU. We wish Coach well moving forward and we are thankful for his leadership while at ASU.”
A Tenure of Peaks and Valleys
Hurley’s future with the program had been a topic of discussion for the past two years. The Sun Devils’ season concluded with a decisive 91-42 loss to Iowa State in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, finishing the year with a 17-16 record. A return to the NCAA Tournament was likely a requirement for a contract extension, a goal the team did not achieve.
Despite the recent struggles, Hurley, 54, leaves Arizona State as the program’s second-winningest coach with a record of 185-167. However, his time was marked by inconsistency, with periods of success often followed by declines.
This season, Arizona State secured wins against Texas Tech and Kansas, but will miss the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. Over his 11 seasons, Hurley led the Sun Devils to three NCAA Tournament appearances, all beginning in the First Four. A fourth tournament appearance was likely in 2020, but the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking Ahead
Arizona State is now seeking a coach who can build on the foundation laid by Hurley and generate excitement among fans, mirroring the success of football’s Kenny Dillingham and women’s basketball’s Molly Miller. A $100 million renovation of Desert Financial Arena is planned, addressing long-standing facility concerns that previously hindered recruiting efforts.
Hurley’s time at Arizona State saw moments of significant achievement, including a 12-0 start in 2017 with victories over Kansas and Xavier, and a program-record No. 3 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. He brought a fiery energy to the program, sometimes leading to confrontations with officials, including a suspension in 2022 and an incident involving the team leaving the court early in 2025.
Hurley expressed gratitude for his time at Arizona State, stating, “It’s been a long road, it’s been a special time.” He also indicated his desire to continue coaching, saying, “I’m in my prime right now, and I don’t want to stop.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Bobby Hurley the coach at Arizona State?
Bobby Hurley was the head coach at Arizona State for 11 seasons.
What was Bobby Hurley’s record at Arizona State?
Bobby Hurley’s record at Arizona State was 185-167.
Did Arizona State build the NCAA Tournament under Bobby Hurley?
Arizona State made the NCAA Tournament three times under Bobby Hurley, each time starting in the First Four. The 2020 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a season where they likely would have participated.
As Arizona State begins its search for a new leader, the question remains: can the next coach build on Hurley’s foundation and consistently elevate the program to new heights?
