TEMPE — As Arizona State men’s basketball turns the page from the Bobby Hurley era, one coach candidate has emerged with deep Valley roots.
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Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett walks in front of the bench in the first half during a first round men’s basketball game of the NCAA Tournament between St. Mary’s and Texas A&M, at Paycom in Oklahoma City on Thursday, March 19, 2026. © NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mesa native Randy Bennett, the winningest coach in Saint Mary’s history, is weighing a move that could reshape ASU basketball and beyond, according to Sun Devil Source’s Chris Karpman. Bennett, who has led Saint Mary’s to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 25 seasons, would bring one of the West Coast’s most consistent program builders back to his home state.
BREAKING: Mesa-native Randy Bennett, who has guided Saint Mary’s to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 25 seasons as the school’s all-time winningest coach, is considering leaving the school for Arizona State, sources tell @SunDevilSource. https://t.co/ds7vweIzSE
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) March 21, 2026
At Saint Mary’s, Bennett has transformed a modest program into a perennial contender in the West Coast Conference while producing NBA-level talent. His teams have been defined by disciplined offense and efficient shooting — a formula that has delivered sustained success despite constant roster turnover.
Mar 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett gives an interview prior to a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain consistency in a competitive Big 12 landscape, unable to establish a clear identity in recent years. Bennett’s track record suggests he could provide long-term stability and a system-driven approach that would translate well, especially as college basketball continues to evolve with the transfer portal and other dynamics.
The appeal goes beyond strategy. Hiring Bennett would not only bring a proven winner to Tempe but also reconnect the program with the local community. His ties to the Valley are enticing, with a familiarity and investment in the region that could help reenergize the program.
Jan 31, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett huddles with his team during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
While still only a possibility, the move would represent a significant shift for Arizona State — one that could define its next chapter and reshape its trajectory in an ever-changing college basketball landscape.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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