Saint Mary's Randy Bennett Rumored for Big 12 Job After March Madness Exit

The offseason has already begun for many teams around the country, even while the NCAA tournament gets underway. For teams that are eliminated early, it might also mean it’s time for a change of scenery.

No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s fell to No. 10 seed Texas A&M in the first round of the tournament, ending their season. Now, just two days later, head coach Randy Bennett is “considering leaving” for the vacant position at Arizona State, according to Arizona State reporter Chris Karpman.

Karpman reported Saturday morning that Bennett was in “serious discussions” about taking Arizona State’s open coaching position. The Sun Devils parted ways with coach Bobby Hurley after 11 seasons in Tempe, but with only three appearances in the NCAA tournament.

Bennett, an Arizona native from Mesa, has been the coach of the Gaels for 25 seasons and established a reputation as one of the most successful mid-major coaches in the country. However, with the West Coast Conference losing Gonzaga as a key member to the rebuilding Pac-12, this could be the time for Bennett to make a move of his own.

The Gaels have made the tournament 12 times under Bennett’s leadership with a record of 589-228. He’s also been crowned WCC Coach of the Year seven times, including each of the past four seasons. Saint Mary's finished this season with a 27-6 record and as WCC regular-season champions.

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Bennett could bring a huge lift to Arizona State’s philosophy on offense and be better suited to recruit high-end talent at a program in one of the sport’s top conferences. With more resources available, the Sun Devils could inch their way toward competing within the conference with a new identity.

Should a deal come together to bring him to Tempe, Bennett would be the first Arizona-born coach to lead the Sun Devils since Bill Kajikawa left the program in 1957. Bennett has plenty of experience recruiting in his home state and internationally, and could be the perfect fit for Arizona State.

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This story was originally published March 21, 2026 at 10:26 AM.