Arizona State Set to Part Ways With Bobby Hurley After Disappointing Season

Arizona State University appears ready to make a major change in its men’s basketball program, with head coach Bobby Hurley expected to be relieved of his duties following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Reports indicate that the decision comes after a season marked by underwhelming results and mounting pressure on Hurley.

The Sun Devils are entering the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 12 seed, set to face the Baylor Bears in the opening round. Regardless of how the team performs in the postseason, the coaching decision appears already settled.

This season, Arizona State finished 16-15 overall and 7-11 in conference play, continuing a trend of inconsistency that has dogged Hurley’s tenure in recent years. Expectations for the program have not been met, placing Hurley on the proverbial hot seat.

Hurley himself has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his position, noting that his current contract is set to expire and that the results of this season could dictate his future with the program.

1. Hurley’s Tenure at Arizona State

Bobby Hurley has been at the helm of Arizona State basketball for 11 seasons, compiling a record of 184-166. His early years showed promise, with the Sun Devils reaching the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons from 2017 to 2019. Despite initial success, the program has struggled to maintain momentum. Arizona State has failed to qualify for March Madness in five of the past six seasons, leaving the team far from consistent contention in the Big 12. This season’s 16-15 finish adds to the disappointment, reflecting both offensive and defensive shortcomings that prevented the Sun Devils from rising in conference standings. The team’s 7-11 Big 12 record underscores the difficulties in competing against league rivals. While there remains a slim possibility for a miraculous run through the Big 12 Tournament to secure an automatic NCAA Tournament berth, expectations for such a turnaround are low. The program would need a near-perfect string of victories similar to historic upsets like NC State’s 1983 championship run.

2. Context of Hurley’s Career

Hurley joined Arizona State after a successful two-year tenure at Buffalo, where his teams posted winning records in both seasons and earned an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014-15. His reputation as a program-builder and a strategic coach initially raised hopes in Tempe. During his first few seasons, Hurley helped the Sun Devils establish a stronger identity, emphasizing a faster-paced, disciplined style of play. The early NCAA Tournament appearances generated optimism that Arizona State could become a consistent contender. However, inconsistency and failure to maintain a high level of performance have become hallmarks of Hurley’s later seasons. Despite talent on the roster at various points, the team has struggled to find cohesion and execute in critical moments. The cumulative impact of these results has likely contributed to the university’s decision. While Hurley brought credibility and energy to the program, the lack of sustained success has made a coaching change increasingly inevitable.

3. Looking Ahead for Arizona State

With Hurley’s departure anticipated, Arizona State faces a period of transition as the program searches for new leadership. The decision reflects the university’s desire to reestablish competitiveness within the Big 12 and to return to consistent NCAA Tournament contention. Recruiting, player development, and team culture will all be critical focal points for the next head coach. The program will likely target a candidate who can combine strategic acumen with the ability to maintain stability while rebuilding a winning tradition. While Hurley’s contributions over 11 seasons are acknowledged, the timing indicates that Arizona State is ready to pivot toward a new era. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the Big 12 Tournament concludes and the university formally begins its search for a successor. In the meantime, the focus remains on the current roster and their chance to compete in the conference tournament, potentially salvaging a positive ending to an otherwise disappointing season.