The last offseason started with reports of Dan Hurley close to joining the Lakers. But eventually the talks ended as the UConn coach wanted to guide his team for the first-ever three-peat in modern-day college basketball. However, that dream came to an end as the back-to-back defending champions lost in a one-possession game to Florida. The criticism towards the acclaimed coach about his antics was once again spotlighted, despite a praiseworthy performance.
“One UConn thought: You may hate Dan Hurley, and if you do it’s fine. He doesn’t care. Nor do I. But that man is an ELITE coach. Proved it again tonight.” Aaron Torres Host of FoxSportsRadio, made it clear that the Coach was not to be blamed for the 77-75 loss to Florida. But once of the most loved coaches has been on the receiving end of criticism from fans. The Huskies HC has often blamed the officials for the defeat and lost composure on the sidelines as he provided some meme-worthy content for the audience.
UConn was never a favorite entering the tie as they faced the top-seeded Florida team. The Huskies started slow but maintained a neck-to-neck battle for most of the game. They even led for the first 17:26 minutes of the second half before Todd Golden’s roster came back. After the loss, Hurley, known for his coaching intensity and passion, was seen wrapping his arms around the UConn players as they headed towards the locker room.
One UConn thought: You may hate Dan Hurley, and if you do it’s fine.
He doesn’t care. Nor do I.
But that man is an ELITE coach.
Proved it again tonight. pic.twitter.com/2fNlCZPKFo
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) March 23, 2025
The Huskies led 61-59 with just over three minutes left. Then chaos unfolded. Karaban drove in for a layup which resulted in a no-call. The Gators wasted no time to take advantage as Walter Clayton Jr. pulled up from deep. The lead flipped! Moments later, a costly turnover resulted in a Will Richard dunk and Florida was up 64-61. But the ability to contain a strong team is not the way UConn’s head coach will be remembered for this season. As fans continue to lash out, the 52-year-old.
The season ends with Dan Hurley not receiving any support from the fans
During the roller-coaster season for the Huskies, one moment that stood out was their HC and his harsh words against the refs. “Don’t turn your back on me! I’m the best coach in the f–king sport!” This is one of those moments that a netizen pointed out. “Proved he’s an elite crybaby bit–, too. Well, proved that a long time ago.” The crybaby term was a constant on the internet. As another instance after the game, helped the fans hammer home their point.
UConn coach Dan Hurley was caught on camera telling Baylor, “I hope they don’t f–k you like they f–ked us.” His remark likely referred to frustration with officiating in the intense matchup. One fan added, “Yea like he couldn’t accept the loss and complained to the Baylor guys how he got “F’d” by the refs. Lose and win with dignity. He doesn’t.” One even compared the theatrics to a WWE icon. “Great coach, but he doesn’t need to act like f–king Ric Flair anytime a camera is on him.”
Unlike his previous two seasons at UConn, Dan Hurley’s current roster lost three straight games at Maui in November but remained undefeated in December. Their struggles began again in January when they lost three unranked contests. February was the same with three losses. So a fan asked why the credit to the coach for a team that was ranked eighth. “For taking preseason #3 to an 8 seed and second round exit?”
Since the Fox journalist pointed out the coaching, the fans reminded him about the unsavory reactions after the loss. “He’s a f–king bit- a– clown & a disgrace to the concept of sportsmanship, but I’m sure he can coach.” Now it’s back to the drawing board for the UConn coach and with a new 6-year $50 million deal to stay at Storrs, it doesn’t seem he may leave them anytime soon.
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