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Former NBA Coach of the Year and three-time NBA champion Byron Scott has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the head coaching vacancy at Arizona State University.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Lakers legend confirmed his "ton of interest" in returning to his alma mater following the departure of Bobby Hurley.
Byron Scott starred for the Sun Devils in the early 1980s before his decorated professional career, and he believes his deep connection to the program makes him the ideal candidate to restore its national prominence.
Although he hasn't yet spoken with university officials, Byron Scott is making his intentions clear to the public and the school’s search committee.
He stated that he has spent the last two years preparing for a return to the sidelines, including holding preliminary discussions about assembling a coaching staff and securing support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives.
The former head coach of the Nets, Hornets, Cavaliers, and Lakers feels his extensive professional background is perfectly suited for the modern college basketball landscape.
Byron Scott argued that the current state of college athletics, defined by the transfer portal and NIL deals, now closely mirrors the professional environment he navigated for decades.
He believes his experience managing NBA rosters and high-profile personalities gives him a competitive edge in recruiting and developing modern college athletes.
Byron Scott's pitch to the university centers on his ability to transition the program into this new era while honoring the school’s traditions.
During the interview, he hinted that he already has a list of recognizable names ready to join his coaching staff if he receives the call from Arizona State.
While he declined to reveal specific identities, he emphasized that his team would bring a wealth of basketball knowledge and recruiting prowess to Tempe.
His jersey currently hangs in the rafters at the Desert Financial Arena, serving as a constant reminder of his legacy within the Sun Devil community.
