Dan Hurley suggests he would be better at coaching football than basketball

Despite winning back-to-back national championships in college basketball, UConn head coach Dan Hurley believes he’s better suited to be a football coach. During an appearance on the New York Yankees broadcast on Sunday, Hurley explained his stunning belief.

“Yeah, I think the leadership piece and the psychology, the motivation, the relationship building, just all that stuff, leading men through the ups and downs of these seasons,” Hurley said. “I think I’d be a better football coach than basketball, actually. I just think my intensity, it fits football guys.”

Hurley certainly brings a physical intensity to the hardwood that could easily translate to the gridiron. From getting after referees to squabbling with opposing fans, Hurley isn’t afraid of conflict.

Hurley’s willingness to meet a challenge head-on has made him one of the most successful coaches in the modern era of college basketball. Since taking over at UConn in 2018, Hurley boasts a 141-58 overall record and two national titles.

Competition is in Hurley’s blood. His father is Bob Hurley Sr., who amassed 26 state championships in 39 years as a high school coach. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dan’s brother, Bobby, was the starting point guard on Duke’s 1991 and 1992 national championship teams and is now the head coach at Arizona State. Due to his family’s obvious connections to basketball, Dan never played football seriously.

Perhaps in another life, Dan Hurley could’ve been the next Nick Saban. Fortunately for UConn fans, Hurley has made it obvious he’s happy with his current situation.

Dan Hurley isn’t going anywhere

After John Calipari left Kentucky this offseason for Arkansas, the blue-chip program attempted to lure Hurley to Lexington. Alas, Hurley ultimately turned down the offer. Less than two months later, another opportunity knocked on Hurley’s door.

This time, the Los Angeles Lakers were the interested party. Nevertheless, Hurley couldn’t be convinced, turning down a six-year, $70 million deal from LA, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Now, the 51-year-old head coach is determined to build on the dynasty he’s set into motion.

“I am humbled by this entire experience,” Hurley said in a statement. “At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as continue to pursue championships.”