TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University has added Tyler McCulloch to Randy Bennett’s first Sun Devil men’s basketball staff as the program’s Associate Head Coach for Sports Performance, the school announced Friday.
Staffing emphasis on strength and preparation
Bennett, who is assembling his inaugural coaching and support team in Tempe, described the hire as a priority in preparing the program to compete at a high level.
"It was extremely important for us to secure a high-level strength coach. We did exactly that with the addition of Tyler McCulloch to our staff. He is well-respected in the business and brings energy and intensity on a daily basis. Our guys have already responded to the way he approaches workouts and practice."
McCulloch arrives after two seasons with the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was part of the Roadrunners' sports performance staff beginning in September 2024 and worked directly with men’s basketball and women’s golf. He holds certifications including CSCS and APCC.
Role and immediate focus
At Arizona State, McCulloch’s role will be dedicated to the physical development, conditioning and daily training load management of the Sun Devils’ men's basketball players. The position elevates sports performance within the program’s structure and signals Bennett’s intention to pair on-court coaching with specialized support services.
McCulloch, who said joining Bennett at ASU represented a “full circle opportunity,” referenced his Southwest roots and past encounters with Bennett during his playing and coaching career.
"I have the utmost respect for how Coach's programs have always displayed a clear identity of discipline and toughness, and jumped at the opportunity to join him in building something special here in Tempe."
Building a comprehensive support team
The hire joins a series of staff appointments designed to provide a broad support network around the roster. Listed among Bennett’s support staff are:
- Drew Seidenberger — Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Player Personnel
- John Anderson — Athletic Trainer
- Anna Clear — Director of Team Nutrition
- Chase Bennett — Director of Operations
- Tautvilas Tubelis — Graduate Assistant
- Joe Few — Graduate Assistant
- Parker Zidel — (support staff)
| Staff Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Tyler McCulloch | Associate Head Coach, Sports Performance |
| Drew Seidenberger | Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Player Personnel |
| John Anderson | Athletic Trainer |
| Anna Clear | Director of Team Nutrition |
The combination of conditioning, nutrition and medical staff reflects a trend among major programs to integrate performance science across practice, travel and game-day preparation.
Context and potential consequences
Arizona State is positioning itself to quickly install Bennett’s program identity, emphasizing discipline and physical toughness. A dedicated sports performance lead can influence injury prevention protocols, recovery timelines and in-season conditioning cycles — areas that affect availability and on-court performance.
McCulloch’s prior work with UTSA’s men’s basketball suggests familiarity with program-level demands and the collegiate calendar; his certifications indicate a foundation in strength and conditioning methodologies. For Bennett, adding a specialist frees on-court coaches to focus on strategy, scouting and player development while centralizing load management and strength planning under one experienced practitioner.
How quickly that investment translates to results will depend on buy-in from players, integration with medical and nutrition staff, and continuity across recruiting classes. The Sun Devils’ ability to remain competitive in their conference and nationally will hinge not only on tactical coaching but also on sustained player availability and physical readiness — areas McCulloch is now charged to oversee.
Arizona State did not release further details on contract length or administrative reporting lines. The move completes another piece of the staff puzzle as Bennett prepares for his first season at the helm in Tempe.
