ESPN: ASU one of worst jobs, UA one of the best

As far as coaching opportunities go, there could not be
much more of a gap between the Pac-12 schools that reside
in the state of Arizona.

According to ESPN.com, which ranked the conference’s
jobs, the one in Tucson is second-best, while the one in
Tempe is ranked ninth.

2. Arizona: Like UCLA, the past few years don’t
define the lure of this post. The Wildcats added another
top-10 recruiting class in 2012, proof that elite players
still view Tucson as a top destination. A new practice
facility is just another asset the program can use to lure
players to the program Lute Olson built. Sellout crowds
are the norm. The Wildcats haven’t won the national
championship since 1997, but they’ve managed to assemble
squads that contend. Sean Miller makes more than $2
million per year, and he’s earned it by re-assembling the
program with talented recruiting classes. He’s in a good
spot.

The Wildcats trail only UCLA, who even the most ardent UA
fans can admit has just a wee bit more history and
tradition behind them. Still, that Arizona is ranked
second despite missing the tournament in two of the last
three years goes to show that the job is still viewed as
one of the best in the conference and country as well.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the news wasn’t so good for the
Sun Devils.

9. Arizona State: Well, right now, this is one of
the worst jobs in the country. Instability has plagued the
program since its last NCAA tourney bid in 2009. Multiple
players, including former standout Trent Lockett, have
decided to transfer. Herb Sendek is on the hot seat after
accruing 22 wins in the past two seasons. That’s only
hindered any hopes of catching up with in-state rival
Arizona, a program back on the rise. It’s definitely one
of the league’s worst jobs right now.

Herb Sendek’s star has certainly fallen, though there is
hope that an experienced group of players plus the
addition of Jahii Carson will lead a rebound in Tempe. If
all goes well, optimism will return and the job, which
should be one of the best in the conference, could
inch closer to that status.

If not, though, there may be an unattractive job opening.

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