UConn head coach Dan Hurley did his best to avoid getting in trouble with referees at what he saw as a missed call in the title game against Michigan, but ended up getting a viral moment instead.
Hurley had a very animated reaction to what he saw as a missed foul late in the first half of the title game, with video quickly gaining viral attention on social media. The UConn coach went into Monday’s title game with a reputation for his passion during games, which has sometimes spilled over into controversy.
Dan Hurley’s Big Reaction
CBS Sports shared a video of Hurley’s reaction to the non-call, which generated some conversation. Some fans suggested that officials got the call correct, noting that they have consistently whistled players for hooking an opponent’s arm and holding it in place.
Hurley has been known for his big reactions, which has sometimes gotten him into trouble with officials. He was fined $25,000 in March for getting heated toward a referee after what he saw as a missed call in a loss to Marquette.
Hurley admitted to getting close to referee John Gaffney in contesting the call, but denied accusations that he made contact with the ref.
“I didn’t think I bumped the ref,” he said, via CBS Sports. “I thought I got close to, like, yelling at John. If John thinks I bumped him, then he’ll say I bumped him. But I don’t think I bumped the official.”
But Hurley’s reactions have also drawn praise both from commentators and fans.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” CBS commentator Jim Nantz said during a UConn broadcast, via Auburn Today. “Dan Hurley is a human highlight reel out there.”
UConn forward Adama Sanogo also praised his coach’s demeanor during games, saying it motivates the players.
“Coach Hurley’s passion is unmatched,” Sanogo said. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and that’s why the players love playing for him.”
Other UConn players said Hurley’s intense demeanor is more supportive during games.
“I think a lot of people just think he’s always serious and just mad, but that’s not the case at all,” says junior Jaylin Stewart. “Practice from games is totally different. I think in practice, he’s more so trying to apply pressure on us in order to be ready for the games. When we get into the games, he’s kind of like a teammate just cheering us on.”
Dan Hurley Admits He Would Be ‘Maniacal’ on Monday
Hurley anticipated that Monday would bring out a lot of passion, telling SI.com in an interview before the title game that he was prepared to be “maniacal” in pursuit of another national title for the Huskies.
“I would say the biggest thing is when we’re driving in the bus, I’m looking out my window and allowing myself to enjoy it and I’m not going to lose my edge in terms of the monsters that we need to show up on Saturday night to get to the championship game,” said Hurley on Thursday. “We know we’ve got to flip the switch and be maniacal in our pursuit of getting to Monday night, but I’m going to let myself enjoy the parts that you should enjoy.”
UConn Coach Dan Hurley Goes Viral for Reaction to Missed Call in Title Game