Dan Hurley is known for his fiery personality on the bench.
The two-time national title-winning head coach will often tee off on referees, players, assistant coaches and more during games. It runs in the family. Hurley's dad and brother were the same way.
Hurley's fire shined on Monday night, as UConn fell to Michigan in the national title game. It was a close contest, with several questionable calls down the stretch. Hurley was clearly unhappy with several big calls.
However, once the game ended, he showed great sportsmanship. Hurley immediately shook hands with Michigan coach Dusty May and congratulated the Wolverines on a great season.
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
When asked about the officiating following his team's national title game loss on Monday night, Hurley's great sportsmanship shined again.
“It’s hard to ref that game. We both played so hard,” said the UConn coach.
He further added, “If I could have those three guys ref every game the rest of my career, I would sleep well at night.”
It's a classy statement from the UConn head coach
College basketball fans can appreciate this side of Hurley.
"Gracious. I like this side of Hurley. And he’s right, I thought the officials let them play but I didn’t see anything one sided. Michigan was the better team tonight," one fan wrote.
"As a UConn fan who won’t defend Dan’s past interactions with officials but is irate with the officiating tonight… hopefully this was his penance. UConn’s been by and large dogged by officiating the past 2 years, it’s no surprise but this was egregious and he took it on the chin," one fan added.
"Class act Dan Hurley. You put up a heck of a fight right to the end," one fan added.
"Nice job Hurley. Geno and most UConn fans should take notes here," one fan added.
"Well said coach...," one fan added.
UConn should be back in the mix next season. The 2026-27 men's college basketball season will be here before you know it.
