In a significant development for college basketball, Randy Bennett has announced that he will be leaving Saint Mary’s College after 25 years to become the head coach at Arizona State University. This transition, effective March 23, 2026, marks the end of an era for the Gaels, where Bennett has built a legacy as the program’s winningest coach.
During his tenure at Saint Mary’s, Bennett achieved an impressive record of 589 wins and 228 losses, translating to a winning percentage of .721. His leadership saw the Gaels make 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and maintain an astonishing streak of 18 consecutive postseason appearances. Under his guidance, the team secured the WCC title for the fourth consecutive year in 2026, showcasing his ability to consistently elevate the program’s performance.
Bennett’s coaching prowess has been recognized multiple times, as he was named WCC Coach of the Year on seven occasions. His teams were not only successful offensively, ranking in the top 25 from 2016 to 2020, but also excelled defensively, consistently placing in the top 20 from 2021 to 2026. This dual focus on both ends of the court has made his teams formidable opponents.
With nearly 40 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level, Bennett’s departure is a significant loss for Saint Mary’s. His impact on the program is underscored by the fact that 51 players earned All-WCC recognition during his tenure, a testament to his ability to develop talent. Additionally, his home record of 319 wins and 62 losses over the past 23 seasons reflects the stronghold he established at Saint Mary’s.
Key moments
Bennett’s roots in Arizona, where he grew up in Mesa, make this move particularly poignant. He expressed his mixed emotions in a statement, saying, “This was a difficult decision after calling Saint Mary’s home for so long and building this program into a national contender each year.” His commitment to the Gaels has left an indelible mark on the institution and its basketball culture.
Reactions to Bennett’s departure have been heartfelt. Mike Matoso, a key figure at Saint Mary’s, remarked, “He will be missed as a leader and coach, and has left us with a lasting legacy of excellence.” Roger Thompson, another prominent voice in the community, noted, “Generations of Gaels—students, alumni, families, and fans alike—have rallied around what Coach Bennett built here.” These sentiments reflect the deep connections forged during his long tenure.
As Bennett embarks on this new chapter at Arizona State, he leaves behind a program that has thrived under his leadership. Roger Thompson encapsulated the moment by stating, “Today marks the close of a remarkable chapter in the history of Saint Mary’s College.” The transition not only signifies a change for Bennett but also sets the stage for the future of both Saint Mary’s and Arizona State basketball programs.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding who will succeed Bennett at Saint Mary’s, but the challenge ahead will be to maintain the high standards he established. The college basketball landscape will be watching closely as both Bennett and his former program navigate this pivotal moment.
