Randy Bennett named Arizona State basketball coach after 25 seasons at Saint Mary's Randy Bennett has been appointed as the new head coach for Arizona State’s men’s basketball team, marking a major coaching transition in college basketball. The 63-year-old veteran, who spent 25 years leading Saint Mary’s, will leave the Gaels after guiding them to consistent success as a mid-major program. His final game with Saint Mary’s was a 63-50 loss to No. 10 seed Texas A&M in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Bennett’s tenure at Saint Mary’s began in 2001, when he took over a program with limited NCAA Tournament history. During his time, the Gaels became a regular presence in March Madness, qualifying for the Big Dance 12 times. The team achieved at least 26 wins in each of the past five seasons and reached the Sweet 16 in 2010 as a 10th seed. His overall record of 589-228 includes 7 West Coast Conference regular season titles and 4 tournament championships. Bennett also mentored future NBA stars like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. Saint Mary’s became a dominant force in the West Coast Conference, often competing with Gonzaga and defeating the Bulldogs. The program’s ability to consistently send two teams to the NCAA Tournament was rare for mid-majors. Bennett’s success earned him a reputation as one of the most effective coaches in the conference, with over 75% of his games resulting in wins. Bennett’s move to Arizona State comes after 11 seasons under Bobby Hurley, during which the Sun Devils struggled to maintain competitiveness. Arizona State made the NCAA Tournament only three times under Hurley, all as a No. 11 seed, and its last major achievement was a Sweet 16 run in 1995.#ncaa_tournament #west_coast_conference #arizona_state #saint_mary_s #randy_bennett
Arizona State Hires Randy Bennett as Head Coach; Saint Mary's to Promote Mickey McConnell Arizona State has announced the hiring of Randy Bennett as its new head basketball coach, marking a significant shift in the program's leadership. Bennett, 63, will take over after Bobby Hurley, who led the Sun Devils for 11 seasons, had his contract not renewed following this past season. The decision comes as part of Arizona State's broader efforts to strengthen its athletic programs, which have faced scrutiny in recent years. Bennett, a native of Arizona, is set to receive a five-year contract, according to sources. His hiring is expected to bring a mix of experience and strategic vision to the Sun Devils. Saint Mary's, where Bennett has coached since 2001, is anticipated to promote associate head coach Mickey McConnell as his replacement. McConnell, who has worked alongside Bennett since 2019, will step into the role, continuing the Gaels' coaching legacy. In a statement, Bennett expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "It was going to take a special situation for us to leave Saint Mary's, and I am energized, driven, and focused on taking over Sun Devil Basketball, a program I am very familiar with and grew up watching." He highlighted the competitive nature of the Big 12 conference and his commitment to helping the Sun Devils achieve their goals. Bennett's tenure at Saint Mary's has been marked by consistent success. Since assuming the head coaching role in 2001, he has guided the Gaels to 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2010 as a 10-seed. The program, which had only three NCAA tournament appearances before Bennett's arrival, has become a dominant force in the West Coast Conference.#arizona_state #bobby_hurley #randy_bennett #saint_mary_s #mickey_mcconnell
