UPDATE: UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley is breaking his silence on personal challenges and emotional turmoil in his forthcoming book, Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes To Be Great, set to release on September 30, 2023. In a recent interview with ESPN, Hurley candidly discusses how his ego impacted his coaching following a disappointing trip to the Maui Invitational last November, where UConn suffered three straight losses.
Hurley acknowledges that his behavior during this period was troubling. After being assessed a technical foul during a crucial overtime against Memphis, he faced intense scrutiny, which ultimately led to a wake-up call from legendary coach Geno Auriemma. Hurley admits, “My ego was getting the better of me,” and credits Auriemma with helping him regain focus and stability during a turbulent time.
The book outlines Hurley’s journey through triumph and adversity, highlighting his back-to-back championships and a tempting offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Maui losses brought a stark reality check, forcing Hurley to confront his shortcomings. “I unraveled emotionally and with leading the team,” he explains. “But that moment with Geno… stabilized me.”
In a poignant revelation, Hurley considered resigning as UConn’s head coach after the season-ending NCAA tournament loss to Florida. Frustrated by the pressures of college basketball and feeling fatigued, he reflected on stepping away from the game. “I was clearly a bad loser at the end of that game,” he admits.
Hurley’s emotional journey highlights the intense pressures faced by coaches today, especially amid the evolving landscape of college sports. “The offseasons were short and packed… every kid has an agent,” he states, underscoring the challenges of maintaining team cohesion in a world of NIL deals and transfer portals.
Ultimately, Hurley found clarity and motivation through his players, specifically Jaylin Stewart and Solo Ball, who reassured him of their commitment to UConn. “That kind of snapped me out of it,” he shared, emphasizing the personal connections that keep him grounded as a coach.
Never Stop promises to offer readers an inside look at the highs and lows of coaching at the highest level, blending real-life experiences with lessons in leadership and resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hurley prepares to unveil his journey in this highly anticipated book.