Randy Bennett is leaving Saint Mary’s Gaels men’s basketball to take over as head coach of Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball, with both programs confirming the move after a team meeting on Monday.

In a statement, Bennett called the decision difficult after spending decades at Saint Mary’s, where he built the program into a consistent national contender. He expressed deep gratitude for the school and community, describing it as a “home away from home” that he will miss.

After 25 years leading the Gaels, Bennett—who had previously declined offers from larger programs—ultimately chose to leave following the dismissal of Bobby Hurley at Arizona State. The 63-year-old returns to his roots, having grown up in Mesa, Arizona, and attended Westwood High School near the ASU campus.

Bennett’s coaching journey began as an assistant at the University of San Diego before he took over Saint Mary’s in 2001. He transformed a struggling team into a powerhouse, guiding the Gaels to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and seven NIT bids. Over the past 22 years, the program posted a .750 winning percentage—ranking among the best nationally behind Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball, Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball, and Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball.

Bennett earned West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors seven times and became Saint Mary’s all-time wins leader with 589 victories. This past season, the Gaels went 27-6, climbed as high as No. 21 in the AP Top 25, and shared the conference regular-season title with Gonzaga—marking a fourth straight season winning or sharing the title. However, Gonzaga’s upcoming move to the Pac-12 and the shifting conference landscape factored into Bennett’s decision to depart.

Saint Mary’s reached the NCAA Tournament in each of Bennett’s final five seasons, including a No. 5 seed this year before being eliminated in the opening round by Texas A&M Aggies men’s basketball.

Associate coach Mickey McConnell is expected to succeed Bennett. A former WCC Player of the Year in 2011, McConnell has spent seven seasons on Bennett’s staff.

Athletic director Mike Matoso praised Bennett’s legacy, crediting him with elevating Saint Mary’s basketball to national prominence and establishing a strong foundation for continued success.

At Arizona State, Bennett inherits a program that experienced mixed results under Hurley, who led the Sun Devils to three NCAA Tournament appearances in 11 seasons. The team finished 17-16 this year, falling short of expectations.

ASU athletic director Graham Rossini highlighted Bennett’s long-term success, recruiting strength, and ability to develop talent—especially internationally—as key reasons for the hire, adding that his leadership and enthusiasm make him an ideal fit for the program.