Sun Devils fans are calling for the firing of head coach Bobby Hurley amid weak performances, behavioral issues, and financial considerations.
Highlights
- Arizona State University’s men’s basketball team has struggled this season, with a 13-15 overall record and a 4-13 mark in Big 12 play, leading to growing frustration among fans.
- Hurley’s conduct during games, including a recent incident where he led his team off the court without the traditional postgame handshake, has drawn sharp criticism and calls for his dismissal.
- The university’s administration is assessing the financial implications of terminating Hurley’s contract, which includes a buyout clause of approximately $3 million.
Bobby Hurley, the head coach of Arizona State University’s (ASU) men’s basketball team, has recently come under intense scrutiny following a series of disappointing performances and conduct-related controversies.
The culmination of these issues has led to a growing chorus of fans demanding his dismissal.
Get him out https://t.co/ycIONrHjHd
— Fire Bobby Hurley (@6richcreamies9) February 27, 2025
The Sun Devils have struggled this season, holding a 13-15 overall record and a 4-13 mark in Big 12 play.
This downturn has frustrated the fanbase, leading to audible chants of “Fire Bobby Hurley” during games.
Such sentiments were notably evident during a recent loss to the University of Arizona, where fans expressed their dissatisfaction both in the arena and on social media platforms.
Fire Bobby. Can’t keep losing
— The Fellas (@jacehale19) March 5, 2025
Coach Hurley’s Behavioral Issues Mount Upon An Already Dissatisfied Fanbase
Beyond the team’s on-court struggles, Hurley’s behavior has been a focal point of criticism.
In a heated game against the Arizona Wildcats, an altercation between ASU’s BJ Freeman and Arizona’s Caleb Love resulted in both players’ ejections.
Hurley directed his team off the court in the aftermath, foregoing the traditional postgame handshake with Arizona’s coach, Tommy Lloyd.
Bobby Hurley visibly upset after a tension-filled rivalry game and pulled his team off the court after the final whistle. No handshake line between the two sides. @HouseOfSparky pic.twitter.com/mnDWQnDA4D
— Koby Braunstein (@KobyBraunstein) February 1, 2025
Hurley later acknowledged the oversight, stating,
Once I got the starters off the floor and got them toward the locker room and knew that my entire team was gone, I should have walked over and shook (Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd’s) hand.
cronkitenews.azpbs.org
This incident drew sharp rebukes from various quarters.
Former NBA player and Arizona alumnus Richard Jefferson criticized Hurley’s actions, highlighting a perceived lack of sportsmanship.
Fans echoed these sentiments, labeling Hurley’s conduct as “embarrassing” and calling for administrative action.
Bobby Hurley on the late game altercation between BJ Freeman and Caleb Love and why he opted for his team not to go through the postgame handshake line: pic.twitter.com/cdLnp6o2xJ
— Jordan Hamm (@JordyHamm) February 1, 2025
Mounting Pressure And Financial Considerations Surrounding Hurley’s Tenure At ASU
In light of mounting pressure, reports indicate that ASU’s administration is assessing the financial ramifications of terminating Hurley’s contract.
According to sources, Hurley’s buyout clause would require the university to pay the remainder of his base salary, totaling approximately $3 million, with potential additional costs related to performance-based bonuses.
Staying in Tempe 😈
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) March 22, 2023
Bobby Hurley has agreed to a contract extension with @SunDevilHoops 🔱 pic.twitter.com/JbmdqmC4Qr
Hurley, who has been at the helm of ASU’s basketball program since 2015, initially brought optimism to the team.
Under his leadership, the Sun Devils secured notable victories and earned NCAA tournament berths, rekindling enthusiasm among the fanbase.
However, the recent decline in performance and off-court controversies have overshadowed these past accomplishments.
Such a special group! Proud of these graduates 🔱#sundevilforlife pic.twitter.com/lzSG67HVHi
— Bobby Hurley (@BobbyHurley11) May 7, 2024
The dissatisfaction isn’t confined to fans alone. Alumni and former players have also voiced concerns about the program’s direction under Hurley.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal a community grappling with the team’s trajectory and the potential implications of a coaching change.
Bobby Hurley’s Future At ASU Remains Uncertain
The administration faces a challenging decision, weighing the financial implications of a potential buyout against the growing unrest among the fanbase and stakeholders.
Fun Fact: it would take ASU 37.5 years of sweeping Arizona in basketball to tie the head-to-head series.
— HurleyFace2.1 (@HurleyFace2022) March 4, 2025
It's possible, I guess.#BEARDOWN pic.twitter.com/uzyZlXZDbv
Hurley’s ability to address both the team’s performance issues and concerns about his conduct will likely play a pivotal role in determining his tenure with the Sun Devils.
In the interim, the ASU community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that aligns with the university’s commitment to athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
Additional Information
- Bobby Hurley was a standout point guard for Duke University, leading the team to back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992.
- He was drafted 7th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1993 NBA Draft and played in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings and Vancouver Grizzlies until 1999.
- Bobby Hurley’s father, Bob Hurley Sr., is a legendary high school basketball coach who led St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, to over 1,000 victories and 28 state championships. Bobby grew up immersed in basketball, learning from one of the best.
