Herb Sendek Named New ASU Head Coach

RALEIGH, N.C. — Herb Sendek announced Monday that he has accepted the head coaching job at Arizona State University.

Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love said she interviewed at least eight candidates to replace former coach Rob Evans but said Sendek was her first choice.

Love said Sendek's NCAA tournament resume made him the best candidate. He led the Wolfpack to five consecutive NCAA appearances. Arizona State has been to the tournament just three times in 28 seasons.

Love said Sendek was given a five-year deal, but wouldn't disclose the salary. The Sun Devils have been looking for a coach since March 10, when Love announced that Evans would not return.

Meanwhile, the talk at N.C. State is focused on who will replace him and his career in Raleigh.

"We've averaged 20-plus wins a year for the last five years, five straight NCAA tournaments. Kids graduate. Hey, that's a successful program," said Tony Haynes, a color analyst with the Wolfpack Radio Network.

"But in this neck of the woods, I think a lot of State fans are still frustrated by the Wolfpack's inability to compete on a consistent basis with the two rivals down the road," Haynes said.

As Sendek leaves Raleigh to go out west, N.C. State will look for a new head coach, and Sendek's successor may demand some priorities.

"First and foremost, money. Some of these A-list coaches that are out there right now are going to command huge salaries -- well over $1 million," Haynes said.

"State will hopefully find someone to take his place that will lead us to some success that we have experienced in the past," said Wolfpack fan Dan Cole.