Report: Arizona State “Exploring Financial Implications” of Moving on from Bobby Hurley**

**Report: Arizona State “Exploring Financial Implications” of Moving on from Bobby Hurley**

 

Arizona State University (ASU) is reportedly examining the financial ramifications of parting ways with their men’s basketball head coach, Bobby Hurley. After seven seasons under Hurley’s leadership, ASU has not yet reached the level of sustained success that many had hoped for, prompting discussions within the university about the direction of its basketball program. This exploration comes amidst a period of underperformance, including a struggle to reach NCAA Tournament appearances in recent seasons.

 

Bobby Hurley took over the Sun Devils’ program in 2015 with high expectations following his success as a coach at Buffalo, where he led the Bulls to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Hurley inherited a program in need of rejuvenation, and while he showed some promise in his early years, particularly in the 2017-18 season when ASU made the NCAA Tournament and finished with a 20-win season, the program has largely struggled to maintain consistency.

 

The Sun Devils have seen fluctuations in their performance, and while they’ve had some solid seasons, they haven’t been able to establish the kind of sustained excellence that Arizona State hopes for. In particular, the lack of NCAA Tournament appearances and an inability to compete consistently in the Pac-12 has left many fans and administrators questioning Hurley’s long-term viability as head coach.

 

While Hurley has had individual player success, such as the development of future NBA talents like Deandre Ayton and Remy Martin, the overall team performance hasn’t matched the potential of these players. The frustration among fans and the ASU athletic department has grown, and as a result, university officials have begun to investigate whether moving on from Hurley is the right step forward. However, any decision to part ways with Hurley would not be made lightly, as ASU is carefully assessing the financial and contractual implications of such a decision.

 

Bobby Hurley is under contract through the 2025-2026 season, and as such, Arizona State must consider the financial implications of a potential buyout. The cost of terminating Hurley’s contract could be significant, and the athletic department must evaluate whether the investment in a new coaching search and subsequent buyout is worth the potential for future success. ASU will likely need to balance the cost of severing ties with Hurley with the potential upside of bringing in a new coach who can elevate the program and bring it closer to the upper echelons of the Pac-12 and NCAA basketball.

 

Additionally, the timing of this decision is critical. The Sun Devils are in the midst of their 2024-2025 season, and a change in leadership could disrupt the program’s current trajectory. However, a poor finish to the season could provide ASU with more justification for making a coaching change sooner rather than later.

 

The search for a potential successor would also play a role in the decision-making process. ASU would likely seek a coach with a proven track record in the Pac-12 or similar conferences, ideally someone who can quickly make an impact on the recruiting front and turn the program into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender. The financial commitment required to attract such a candidate is another factor that will weigh heavily on ASU’s decision.

 

Ultimately, the future of Bobby Hurley at Arizona State is uncertain, as the university carefully weighs the pros and cons of parting ways with the coach. While the program has shown flashes of success under Hurley, the lack of consistent achievement has led ASU to explore the financial and strategic implications of making a change. The coming months will likely bring clarity on whether Hurley’s tenure in Tempe will continue or whether a new direction will be pursued for the Sun Devils’ basketball program.