Arizona State's athletic director, Graham Rossini, recently made headlines by enlisting the help of a search firm, Elevate, to find a new basketball coach after Bobby Hurley's departure. This decision, costing around $250,000, has sparked conversations about the effectiveness of such an approach.
Historically, Arizona's top coaches have been hired without outside assistance. Icons like Lute Olson, Jedd Fisch, Rich Rodriguez, and Adia Barnes were all selected by athletic directors who trusted their instincts and knowledge of the sports landscape. Cedric Dempsey, a notable figure in this realm, famously made key hires like Mike Candrea and Frank Busch using his own judgment.
In 1972, when Arizona's Dick Clausen was on the hunt for a new baseball coach, he initially offered the position to Bobby Richardson, a former New York Yankee. Although Richardson declined, he recommended Jerry Kindall, who went on to become a three-time College World Series champion with the Wildcats.
Rossini's decision to use a search firm raises questions, especially since he had ample time to evaluate potential candidates while Hurley's contract was winding down. Many believe that the best athletic directors, like Arizona's Desireé Reed-Francois, have a knack for identifying talent without external help. Reed-Francois has successfully hired four head coaches in recent years without resorting to search firms.
This situation highlights a broader debate in college sports: Is hiring a search firm worth the investment, or should athletic directors rely on their own expertise and networks? As Rossini navigates this process, all eyes will be on Arizona State to see if this approach pays off.