Arizona State Fires Head Coach Bobby Hurley After Mediocre Seasons
In a surprising and decisive move, Arizona State University has parted ways with 10th-year head coach Bobby Hurley, citing his inability to return the Sun Devils’ basketball program to national prominence. The dismissal, which takes effect immediately, comes after several seasons of underperformance that have left the program and its supporters frustrated.
Hurley, who took over as head coach in 2015, had high expectations placed on him when he arrived in Tempe, Arizona. As a former standout point guard at Duke University and a two-time NCAA champion, Hurley was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Early in his tenure, he had some success, guiding the Sun Devils to an NCAA tournament appearance in 2018 and helping to revitalize the program after several years of mediocrity. However, in recent seasons, the team’s performance has stagnated, leaving many to question whether Hurley was the right fit for the long-term vision of the program.
This season, Arizona State finished with a disappointing record, struggling in both conference play and non-conference matchups. Despite having talented players on the roster, the Sun Devils failed to consistently compete with top-tier teams in the Pac-12 and across the nation. This inconsistency, paired with unfulfilled expectations, ultimately led to Hurley’s dismissal.
The firing of Hurley marks the end of a decade-long era for Arizona State basketball. Under his leadership, the team posted a cumulative record of 158-106, but the Sun Devils never managed to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, which had been one of the primary goals for the athletic department.
In recent years, Hurley’s tenure had become increasingly scrutinized as his inability to consistently recruit top-tier talent and develop players for success at the highest level became a major talking point among fans, media, and university administrators. Arizona State’s last NCAA tournament appearance came in 2019, and the program has failed to secure a spot in the tournament since then. The lack of sustained success and the inability to meet the expectations of the administration ultimately led to the tough decision to part ways with Hurley.
In a statement released by the university, Arizona State’s athletic director expressed gratitude for Hurley’s contributions to the program. “We thank Coach Hurley for his dedication and efforts over the past decade,” the statement read. “While we appreciate his hard work, we believe it’s time for a change in direction for our basketball program. Arizona State is committed to competing at the highest level, and we feel a fresh approach is necessary to achieve that goal.”
The announcement of Hurley’s firing has sent shockwaves through the Arizona State basketball community, with many current and former players expressing their support for the coach. Several players took to social media to thank Hurley for his mentorship and leadership during their time at the school. However, others have also expressed disappointment with the decision, citing the challenges and obstacles Hurley faced during his tenure, including changes in the landscape of college basketball and the rise of powerhouse programs in the Pac-12.
As the Sun Devils move forward in their search for a new head coach, they will look to turn the page on a challenging chapter in the program’s history. With high expectations and a growing desire for success, Arizona State will be hoping that the next head coach can lead the team back to relevance on the national stage. For now, Bobby Hurley’s tenure will be remembered for both its promise and its shortcomings, and the search for a new direction begins immediately.