Over the past week, numerous sports media personalities have expressed their concerns regarding UConn head coach Dan Hurley’s recent behavior, particularly after he was seen passionately yelling at officials and declaring himself the “best coach in the sport.” However, on Saturday, Hurley received vital support from Fox broadcaster Gus Johnson, who emphasized that Hurley’s emotionally charged coaching style reflects his deep engagement and investment in his team’s success.
Hurley’s coaching approach has been scrutinized by commentators like Jay Bilas, Scott Van Pelt, and Jeff Goodman. During the broadcast of Saturday’s Big East match between the No. 25 ranked UConn Huskies and the No. 9 ranked Marquette Golden Eagles, Johnson stated that Hurley’s passion demonstrates his commitment to the team’s success. “First of all, I’ve known Danny Hurley since he was a player at Seton Hall,” Johnson remarked. “Called some of his games. I wouldn’t change anything about him. He is so passionate and is so engaged and invested in this job just like his dad Bob Hurley Sr.”
“I wouldn’t change anything about [Dan Hurley], Jimmy! He is so passionate! And is so engaged and invested in this job, just like his dad, Bob Hurley Sr.!” – Gus Johnson pic.twitter.com/FbqbEsX6UQ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 2, 2025
Jim Jackson, Johnson’s partner in the booth, largely echoed this sentiment but cautioned that Hurley needs to manage his emotions to avoid negatively impacting his team. “I love it,” Jackson stated. “The only thing I would disagree with is that at times he has to monitor that aggression so it doesn’t boil over and hurt his team. He has grown from that, and that is the beauty of not only players but coaches can mature in certain ways. I think Dan has been able to do that. But I have loved the passion. You know why, Gus? Because his team reflects that in how hard they play.”
Regardless of what one may think about Hurley’s interactions with officials, his coaching ability is unquestionable, especially since he is a back-to-back National Champion and has positioned his team well for a potential third consecutive title. Gus Johnson, known for his own energetic calling style, understands the passion Hurley brings to the court. However, there is a possibility that Hurley’s tendency to argue with officials might cost his team during critical moments, as Jackson suggested.
Fortunately for Huskies fans, that was not the case on Saturday night, as UConn secured its most significant win of the season, bolstered by a stellar 25-point performance from Solo Ball.
