Bobby Hurley, who has spent most of his life on the East Coast, might be headed to the desert.
Bobby Hurley, who has spent most of his life on the East Coast, might be headed to the desert. (USATSI)

Duke icon and Buffalo coach Bobby Hurley has emerged as a serious candidate at Arizona State, multiple sources told CBSSports.com on Wednesday.

Two sources referred to Hurley as the "frontrunner" for the job.

One suggested a deal might already be in place.

Sources told CBSSports.com that Hurley has spent the past few days vacationing in Aruba but that he's expected to return to the United States on Thursday. It's possible a deal could be finalized upon Hurley's return, multiple sources told CBSSports.com.

Hurley, 43, is 42-20 in two years as Buffalo's coach. The former Duke point guard finished 23-10 this season and led the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament. He's in play at Arizona State only because Jeff Capel, another former Blue Devil, passed on an offer earlier this week.

Last month, Arizona State fired Herb Sendek after nine seasons.

Sendek made two NCAA Tournaments in nine seasons.