A recent survey of college basketball coaches has crowned Randy Bennett as the most coveted hiring prospect for the 2026 coaching carousel, with 32 percent of respondents naming him the top choice. Bennett’s long tenure at Saint Mary’s, where he built a consistently competitive program despite limited resources, has been cited as the foundation of his reputation. His recent move to Arizona State is viewed as a strategic step that could leverage his expertise in lower‑major settings for the rigors of the Big 12.
Why Bennett Stands Out
Coaches praised Bennett for his ability to identify talent, develop systems that maximize limited budgets, and sustain winning cultures over extended periods. At Saint Mary’s he turned a modest roster into a perennial contender, a track record that resonated strongly with survey participants who value sustained program building over short‑term flash.
Jerrod Calhoun followed closely with 30 percent of the vote. His innovative coaching style and recruiting acumen, honed during his rise from Utah State to Cincinnati, have made him a favorite among coaches seeking a modern, player‑focused approach. Calhoun’s transition to a power‑conference program is seen as a test of whether his mid‑major successes can translate at a higher level.
Other Notable Contenders
Michael Malone secured 16 percent of the votes, lauded for his NBA championship pedigree and his work assembling competitive rosters at North Carolina. Bryan Hodgson of Providence earned 8 percent, noted for fitting the Friars’ identity, while Will Wade from LSU garnered 3 percent after a high‑profile 2025 hire that lost some momentum in 2026. Mike Boynton’s promotion to Michigan after Dusty May’s departure raised questions about his ability to replicate May’s success given prior struggles in the Big 12.
The survey underscored that coaches are not looking for a single defining trait but rather a blend of fit, experience and the capacity to shape a program’s long‑term trajectory. While Bennett and Calhoun split the top two spots by a narrow margin, the overall consensus was that no single hire dominated the landscape, reflecting a nuanced evaluation of each candidate’s unique strengths.
Ultimately, the 2026 hiring cycle highlights a period of transition for college basketball, where proven program builders, innovative recruiters and experienced roster architects all vie for the same limited set of high‑major openings. The preferences expressed by coaches suggest that the next wave of hires will likely prioritize sustainable growth and adaptability as much as any single accomplishment.