Sad News: Arizona State Announces Retirement of Head Coach Due to Health Issues

In a somber announcement today, Arizona State University revealed that head coach Bobby Hurley is stepping down from his position, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his decision. The beloved coach, who has spent the last eight seasons at the helm of the Sun Devils’ basketball program, stated that the physical and mental toll of the demanding job had taken a significant toll on his well-being, ultimately leading to his decision to retire.

Hurley, 53, has been a fixture in the Pac-12 Conference since taking over at Arizona State in 2015. During his tenure, he revitalized a program that had struggled to find consistent success in previous years. Under Hurley’s leadership, the Sun Devils made notable progress, earning several postseason appearances, including an NCAA Tournament berth in 2018. His high-energy style of play and emphasis on fast-paced offense earned him respect across the college basketball landscape.

Despite these successes, Hurley’s health had been an ongoing concern over the past few seasons. Sources close to the program indicated that Hurley had been battling a range of health issues, which were exacerbated by the stressful nature of coaching at the highest level of college basketball. Hurley himself confirmed that the decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration of his long-term health and the well-being of his family, he felt it was the right time to step away from the game.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Arizona State University for giving me the opportunity to lead this program,” Hurley said in a statement released by the school. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into coaching these young men, and it has been an honor to represent this incredible institution. However, after much reflection and discussions with my family and doctors, I’ve made the difficult decision to retire. My health must come first, and I am hopeful that stepping away will allow me to focus on recovery and spending more time with my loved ones.”

Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson praised Hurley for his dedication to the program and the lasting impact he had on the Sun Devils. “Coach Hurley has been a tremendous leader and mentor for our student-athletes,” Anderson said. “His commitment to excellence both on and off the court has set a high standard for Arizona State basketball. While we are saddened by his decision, we fully support him and wish him all the best in his health journey.”

The search for Hurley’s successor will now begin, as the Sun Devils hope to maintain momentum and continue building on the foundation Hurley laid over the past several years.