Dan Hurley has a million critics, and Jay Bilas stands out among them. While Bilas may not share Goodman’s contentious relationship with Hurley, it’s clear that the ESPN analyst doesn’t have Hurley’s utmost admiration. When Hurley criticized the “Skip Bayless wannabes” in the national media, it’s likely he was also referring to someone who once coached his brother, Bobby, at Duke. Bilas criticized Hurley’s sideline antics earlier in the season, calling them an excuse for bad behavior, and after UConn’s elimination by Florida in the NCAA Tournament, he reiterated the need for change.
“He should change some things, yeah,” Bilas acknowledged on The Dan Patrick Show Monday. “I think the way he carries himself on the sideline should change, and what he says after games shouldn’t be what we often hear. Was that a huge deal? No. But should he do it? I think the answer is no, too. I understand the counterargument: ‘That’s just who he is.’ I see that as an excuse for bad behavior. It’s not a crime or a significant issue. While it’s great to have characters in the game, wouldn’t it be better if he could still be that fierce competitor without some of the negativity? The way he talks to officials doesn’t benefit him either, and they certainly don’t appreciate it.”
Interestingly, when Bilas criticized Hurley back in January, it might have marked the first time in his life that officials encouraged him to “keep going.” “Usually, they don’t like what I say,” he joked, acknowledging the complex dynamic between coaches and officials. Bilas doesn’t necessarily want Hurley to become someone else; he emphasizes the importance of personal growth, stating that maturity could greatly help in these situations.
Referencing his conversations with Bobby Knight, Bilas remarked, “Knight would sometimes embarrass reporters, yet he could be empathetic towards coaches. I once asked him why he didn’t educate the less-prepared reporters instead. He replied, ‘I’m too deep into my [career] — I can’t.’ But Bilas believes that getting rid of excuses is crucial for coaches. He argued, “If you’re saying, ‘I shouldn’t have done this,’ then stop doing it. It’s absolutely feasible to remain fiery and competitive while being self-aware.” If Hurley can strike that balance, he may win over more than just the fans in UConn’s corner.
