Mick Cronin does not plan to leave UCLA 'until they make me'

Throughout the 2024-25 season, questions and rumors swirled about Mick Cronin’s future at UCLA. After the Bruins lost to Wisconsin Friday in the Big Ten tournament, he gave a strong answer on whether he’ll stay in Westwood next season.

The loss to Wisconsin dropped UCLA to 22-10 overall this year after a 13-7 record in Big Ten play. The Bruins are still well-positioned for the NCAA tournament, though, checking in as a No. 6 seed in On3’s James Fletcher III’s latest Bracketology.

In the meantime, Cronin’s name has come up in connection with openings such as Indiana. He also said he’s heard people say he’s looking to leave UCLA because he apparently doesn’t like the travel in the Big Ten or some other complaints he made. As for whether he’s looking at other jobs, he made it clear he has no plans on leaving the school by his choice.

“The problem is when I answer the question and people say, ‘Cronin’s complaining about travel. He wants to leave UCLA,’ which is ridiculous,” said Cronin, in response to a question about whether Wisconsin did a better job being physical with Aday Mara on Friday. “But you and I are together every week. All I do is answer your question. I didn’t say that. I just answered your question. ‘He hates the travel.’ I’ve never said that ever. I’m not leaving UCLA until they make me leave, okay? So please stop with that. I just answered your question.

“Now, if I answer that question, it’s going to seem like I’m making an excuse. Are they more physical with Aday? So the problem is if I answer that, then I’m making an excuse. So I’m not going to answer it. You know the answer, so you answer it. Because if I answer it – and I’m not making an excuse. They kicked our ass. We didn’t throw the ball to him enough really to make it a factor. So if I answer that – losers blame the officials. Winners know why they win. And winners know why they lose, too. So I try to teach these guys, you got your ass kicked. That’s why you lost.”

UCLA missed the NCAA tournament last year after making back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances. Despite falling in the Big Ten tournament, Mick Cronin and the Bruins appear poised to return to March Madness, and they’ll find out their fate Sunday during the selection show.