Arizona State is finalizing a five-year deal with Saint Mary's Randy Bennett to become the Sun Devils' next head coach, sources told ESPN. Bennett, an Arizona native, has transformed Saint Mary's into a consistent mid-major program, leading the Gaels to 12 NCAA tournament appearances and four straight WCC regular-season championships since 2001. His arrival replaces Bobby Hurley, whose contract was not renewed after 11 seasons as coach, marking a significant shift for ASU basketball.

Bennett's track record includes building Saint Mary's into a national contender, with the Gaels winning at least 20 games in 18 of the last 19 seasons and reaching the Sweet 16 as a 10-seed in 2010. The Sun Devils' athletic department, under new AD Graham Rossini, has prioritized both basketball and football, highlighted by a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and a five-year contract for head coach Kenny Dillingham. This move signals ASU's renewed commitment to competitive athletics across sports.

The decision comes amid a broader push for ASU's athletic programs, including first-year women's coach Molly Miller's early NCAA tournament success. Bennett's hiring aligns with the school's focus on sustained excellence, as the Gaels have maintained top-10 rankings in the WCC for over a decade. His experience in developing mid-major teams into national threats could revitalize ASU's basketball program.

Bennett's departure from Saint Mary's leaves a legacy of 30+ wins in 2017-18 and consistent tournament success. ASU aims to leverage his expertise to compete in the Pac-12, where the Sun Devils have struggled to maintain relevance. The deal underscores the university's ambition to elevate its athletic profile and attract top-tier coaching talent.