Sports

Salty Connecticut Coach Dan Hurley Criticizes Refs, Tells Staffer To ‘Shut Up’ In Season Ending Loss

#UConn Huskies
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Dan Hurley on the sidelines for a Connecticut basketball game.

© Zachary Taft-Imagn Images


Dan Hurley was not happy with the outcome of his UConn basketball team’s latest matchup. The Huskies’ season came to an official end with an NCAA Tournament loss to Florida.

Hurley’s title defense came to a close after back-to-back national championships. He was visibly frustrated both on the sidelines and on the walk to the locker room after the defeat.

It was a game the Huskies largely controlled throughout. Connecticut used a 7-1 run after halftime to build a six-point second half lead. They held onto that advantage up through the three-minute mark.

Then, Florida climbed out of the deficit. The Gators outscored the Huskies 14-5 over the next two minutes. They’d eventually win, 77-75.

Dan Hurley wasn’t happy, even prior to witnessing that collapse. At one point in the first half, he was seen telling an assistant to “shut up” as he gave advice on the gameplan.

Hurley’s saltiness surfaced further after the buzzer. As he made his way to the locker room, he loudly blamed officiating for the loss.

Dan Hurley ripped referees after his season ended.

The coach was seen shouting at the Baylor Bears as he made his way off the court. “I hope they don’t f— you like they f— us.”

Hurley’s never been shy about berating officials. He made headlines early in the year following a pair of losses in Maui for loudly criticizing calls. He’s clearly failed to tone down those antics.

Hurley was peeved by officiating down the stretch. Florida outshot UConn by 12 free throws at the stripe. The head coach refused to place blame on his staff or players. Instead, he scapegoated officials.

After the initial criticism, Hurley was emotional about the loss. The game meant something to the coach as he pursued history. Coming up short of another national title took its toll.

“There’s honor in the way we went out,” he said after the loss. He was proud of his team’s fight. Unfortunately, he took away from the Huskies’ successes with this salty outburst.