Reports: Randy Bennett leaving Saint Mary's to coach Arizona State

Field Level Media
24 Mar 2026, 03:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

After 25 seasons and 12 NCAA Tournament appearances as the head coach of Saint Mary's, Randy Bennett is heading home to replace Bobby Hurley at Arizona State, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

Bennett, 63, is in the process of finalizing a five-year contract, ESPN reported.

Per Arizona Sports, Bennett -- Arizona State's top choice after 20 candidates were trimmed to three -- will earn more than $3 million in his first season. He is a native of Mesa, a short drive from the Sun Devils' Tempe campus.

Bennett, who reportedly informed the team of his decision at a meeting Monday morning, will be replaced at Saint Mary's by associate head coach Mickey McConnell, per ESPN. McConnell, who turns 37 next month, has been on the Gaels' coaching staff since 2019 and played for Bennett from 2007-11.

Under Bennett, who had one season remaining on a 10-year contract, Saint Mary's reached the NCAA Tournament the last five seasons and has won at least a share of four straight WCC regular-season titles. In 2010 as a No. 2 seed, the Gaels reached the Sweet 16.

In this year's NCAA Tournament, No. 7 seed Saint Mary's was upset by No. 10 seed Texas A&M in the first round. Bennett finished his tenure with a 589-228 record.

Bennett takes over for Hurley, who did not have his contract renewed after this season. The former Duke star coached Arizona State to three NCAA Tournament berths in 11 seasons and left as the second-winningest coach in program history (185 wins).

--Field Level Media

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