Bobby Hurley Withdraws From St. John's Search, Talking Extension With Arizona State

Bobby Hurley
Photo credit Brett Rojo/USA TODAY Images

UPDATE (April 13): Bobby Hurley has now reportedly agreed to a five-year contract extension with Arizona State.

By WFAN.com

Bobby Hurley, the reported first choice to replace Chris Mullin at St. John's, pulled out of the running Thursday night.

The Arizona State coach issued a statement on Twitter saying, "My family and I are proud to be Sun Devils and want to remain at Arizona State for a long time." Hurley, a Jersey City native and former Duke star, added that he and Arizona State are in discussions for a contract extension. 

Forks Up ?? pic.twitter.com/Adlxsh8aPQ

— Bobby Hurley (@BobbyHurley11) April 12, 2019

Iona coach Tim Cluess is now the front-runner for the St. John's job, WFAN college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported. The school and Cluess have engaged in informal talks, but the search remains open, school sources told the New York Post.  

Iona released a statement saying, as of Friday morning, it had not been contacted by St. John's about Cluess.

"Iona believes in Tim Cluess, invested considerably in Tim Cluess, and considers him to be family," the statement said. "Tim Cluess is an incredible coach and person. He successfully leaders our program on and off the court. Tim wins. Last year, Cluess and Iona entered into a significant long-term contract supporting his ability to eventually retire from Iona College."

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Cluess, 60, has led the Gaels to six NCAA Tournament appearances -- including each of the last four years -- in his nine years in New Rochelle. 

He is said to be "very interested" in the Red Storm opening, the Post reported. A Queens native, Cluess played at St. John's from 1979-81. 

Rick Pitino is reportedly interested in the job as well, but it's unclear whether St. John's is receptive to the idea of hiring the scandal-scarred former Louisville and Knicks coach.