The Duke basketball star seems to be safe from being let go from Arizona State.

The world of college basketball is a constantly shifting landscape. Head coaches are often faced with immense pressure to deliver immediate results, especially at programs where expectations are high, both from fans and the administration. This has especially been the case in recent years for programs like Arizona State, which has seen its fair share of highs and lows. But when a well-known figure in the basketball world, particularly one with a strong pedigree from Duke University, finds themselves at the helm, there are many eyes watching to see if the coach can meet those expectations.

This is the case for Bobby Hurley, the current head coach at Arizona State University. Hurley, a Duke basketball legend, has faced both success and struggles during his tenure with the Sun Devils. Despite a relatively rocky road, recent developments suggest that Hurley’s job appears to be safe for the time being. However, there remains an ongoing tension surrounding his ability to take the program to the next level and satisfy the demands of the Arizona State community.

A Duke Basketball Legend in the Desert

Bobby Hurley is no stranger to high expectations. His playing career at Duke University, under the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski, is one of the most storied in college basketball history. Hurley, a point guard, helped lead the Blue Devils to back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. During his time at Duke, Hurley was known for his leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to handle pressure on the biggest stages. His performances during the NCAA tournament, particularly his clutch playmaking, solidified his reputation as one of the all-time greats in the history of college basketball.

After his playing days, Hurley transitioned into coaching. His first major head coaching opportunity came at the University at Buffalo, where he had a very successful run. In his five years there, Hurley helped turn Buffalo into a consistent winner and even led them to the NCAA tournament. It was no surprise when Arizona State, in need of a new leader for its men’s basketball program, came calling.

In 2015, Hurley was hired as the head coach of Arizona State, taking over a program that had been struggling to achieve consistent success. Arizona State had a history of mediocrity in basketball, and Hurley’s arrival was seen as a potential turning point for the program. His pedigree as a Duke player, combined with his success at Buffalo, made him a highly attractive hire for the Sun Devils. Expectations were high, and many assumed that Hurley’s reputation and coaching acumen would quickly elevate the program.

A Mixed Record at Arizona State

Since taking over in 2015, Hurley has had a mixed record at Arizona State. He immediately made an impact in his first few seasons, bringing energy and hope to the program. In 2018, Hurley led Arizona State to the NCAA tournament, the team’s first appearance in the big dance in over a decade. That success was followed by a series of ups and downs. While Hurley’s teams have shown flashes of brilliance, they have not been able to consistently perform at the level that fans and administrators had hoped for.

The Sun Devils have made sporadic appearances in the NCAA tournament under Hurley, but they’ve never managed to break through as a true contender in the Pac-12, the conference Arizona State plays in. The program has consistently been in the middle of the pack, sometimes hovering just on the edge of an NCAA bid but falling short in crucial moments. For a program that has invested considerable resources into its basketball program, this has been frustrating.

Despite the lack of consistent NCAA tournament appearances, Hurley has kept Arizona State competitive. He has had success in recruiting, bringing in top-tier talent, and developing players who have gone on to play professionally. Arizona State has made significant strides in terms of its overall talent level, which has allowed the program to remain relevant within the Pac-12. Hurley’s emphasis on developing a tough defensive identity has resonated with many players and fans alike.

However, it’s not just about making the tournament for Arizona State’s administration—it’s about making deep runs and consistently competing at the highest level. The Sun Devils’ inability to consistently make significant strides in the postseason has kept Hurley’s status in question at times. Even with his Duke pedigree and a proven track record at Buffalo, the results at Arizona State have been underwhelming in some ways.

The Pressure Mounts

As is often the case in major college sports, the pressure on coaches intensifies with each passing season. College basketball, in particular, is a sport where success is measured in March, during the NCAA tournament. Coaches who fail to deliver in the postseason often find themselves on the hot seat. Hurley has managed to keep his job despite some of the program’s shortcomings, but the 2024-2025 season has been seen as a critical one in determining his long-term future at Arizona State.

While there have been concerns about Hurley’s ability to elevate Arizona State to an elite level, there are a number of factors that have worked in his favor. For one, the athletic department at Arizona State has shown a degree of patience. Despite a lack of sustained postseason success, Hurley has kept the program competitive in a difficult conference. Additionally, Hurley has maintained strong relationships with key figures in the program, including boosters and administrators, who appreciate the direction he is taking the team. His ability to recruit high-level talent is something that has helped him remain in good standing, even when the team has had down years.

Furthermore, Hurley’s ties to Duke University remain a source of strength. The Duke basketball program, led by Krzyzewski for decades, has an incredibly strong network of alumni, coaches, and supporters. Hurley’s place within that network has undoubtedly helped him weather the storm during tough stretches. College basketball is an industry where relationships and connections matter, and Hurley’s ties to the blueblood program at Duke have been a valuable asset in his career.

The Challenges Ahead

As Hurley continues his tenure at Arizona State, the challenges ahead are clear. To truly solidify his status as the long-term leader of the program, he needs to guide Arizona State to consistent NCAA tournament appearances and, ideally, deep runs in March. With recruiting classes that continue to improve and the potential for even more success in the coming years, the hope is that Hurley can elevate Arizona State into a true contender in the Pac-12 and on the national stage.

The pressure for Arizona State to break through and become a consistent NCAA tournament team is real. The Pac-12 has been a conference in flux in recent years, with other programs like UCLA and Arizona continuing to dominate, but with opportunities for teams like Arizona State to rise. The Sun Devils have a dedicated fanbase that is eager for success, and while Hurley has been able to keep the program competitive, the next step is crucial. If Arizona State fails to make significant progress in the coming seasons, there may be more difficult conversations ahead.

The Future of Bobby Hurley

Despite the challenges, Bobby Hurley appears safe from being fired at Arizona State—at least for the time being. The athletic department has expressed continued support for him, understanding the complexities of building a consistent winner in a competitive conference. The pressure will continue to mount, but Hurley’s track record, both as a player and as a coach, gives him a level of job security that many other coaches in similar positions might not enjoy.

His Duke pedigree, his ability to recruit, and his competitiveness will likely keep him around for a while longer, provided the team continues to show improvement. It’s clear that Arizona State is on a positive trajectory, and Hurley’s leadership will be key in determining how far the Sun Devils can go in the coming years. For now, it seems that Hurley’s position at Arizona State is secure, but how long that will remain the case depends on the success of the program in the near future.

Bobby Hurley’s journey as the head coach of Arizona State has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. Despite some underwhelming seasons and an inability to consistently take the program to the next level, Hurley’s ties to Duke, his recruiting success, and his overall leadership have kept him in the good graces of the Arizona State administration. While the pressure will only continue to increase, Hurley’s position appears safe for now. The real test will be whether he can lead Arizona State to consistent success and, ultimately, to a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Only time will tell if Hurley can meet the expectations that come with his legendary background and take Arizona State to the promised land of college basketball.