STORRS, Conn. — UConn coach Dan Hurley recently expressed regret over his controversial comments following the Huskies’ NCAA Tournament defeat to Florida. The loss ended UConn’s quest for a third consecutive national title in a narrow 77-75 game during the tournament’s round of 32. Hurley was recorded making inappropriate remarks about the officiating as he exited the floor heading towards the locker room.
Hurley admitted his lapse in judgment, noting that he spoke in a media-free area within the arena typically reserved for coaches and players. “Although I expressed myself in a moment of heat in a usually media-free zone, the referees for the game were excellent, and Florida deserved their win,” Hurley emphasized to local media outlets. “Losing that impressive three-year run in such a tense game heightened my emotions. If it weren’t for my emotional outburst, the focus might have remained on our incredible journey and the remarkable players.”
In the aftermath, a video of Hurley’s remarks was posted online by Joey Ellis from Queen City News. There were tensions when UConn’s sports information director, Bobby Mullen, requested the video to be removed. Allegedly, Mullen made a threatening comment, though later apologized via social media, according to Ellis. “I set the chain of events into motion,” Hurley admitted to reporters, expressing regret for involving Mullen. “He might have handled it differently, but we’ve all been in tough media situations throughout the year. Bobby’s intention was to protect our team, which sometimes makes us overstep. However, he’s a dedicated individual.”
Hurley’s passionate coaching methods have previously led to several controversial incidents throughout the season, including heated exchanges at the Maui Classic and engaging with fans after a win. “UConn hired someone with a known coaching style, and I’ve been consistent throughout my career,” Hurley said of his energetic coaching presence. “These were missteps, and it’s part of who I am. Still, I endeavor to improve on this front, aiming for a future where I can get on and off the court without issues.”
He expressed a commitment to balancing his ardor with restraint, seeking both internal and external strategies to mitigate further incidents while maintaining the intensity he brings to his role.