UConn coach Dan Hurley apologizes for tunnel outburst

UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley expressed regret over his profane remarks about officiating following the Huskies’ NCAA tournament loss to Florida on Sunday, acknowledging there were things he “wished [he] didn’t do.”

UConn’s pursuit of a third consecutive national title came to an end with a 77-75 loss to top-seeded Florida in the second round. As he walked off the court, Hurley was captured on camera by a media member, speaking to Baylor players as they prepared for their game. “I hope they don’t f— you like they f—ed us,” Hurley was heard saying, referring to the officiating.

Reflecting on the incident Wednesday, Hurley admitted his comments were made in the heat of the moment.

“Those are three great officials in that game,” Hurley told reporters. “So, although I said something in the heat of the moment, in an area of the arena that in pretty much every game I’ve ever coached in college has been media-free… Those were three great refs and Florida earned it.”

Hurley further explained, “If I don’t go off the rails at the end there, after that three-year run ended in excruciating fashion… If I don’t have that emotional outburst there, probably all people are talking about is the run we’ve had, the amazing players.”

The incident drew attention after Queen City News’ Joey Ellis posted video of Hurley’s comments. Charlotte Sports Live reported that UConn’s director of men’s basketball communications, Bobby Mullen, asked Ellis to remove the video and made a threatening comment to him. Ellis later stated on social media that Mullen had apologized.

Hurley addressed the situation with Mullen, saying, “Bobby regrets, just like I regret the moments I’ve had. Obviously, it’s all my fault that Bobby got pulled into it. I set the whole thing in motion and I feel horrible. Obviously, he could’ve handled dealing with the media person with the phone that took the video differently, he could’ve obviously let it go. He should’ve been better trained for a situation like this, we’ve been in them all year.”

He added, “But Bobby’s a soldier. We all fight like that for each other in our program, and sometimes we go a little too far. But Bobby’s a great guy.”

The incident was one of several in a season marked by Hurley’s fiery demeanor, including disputes with officials during the Maui Invitational and a taunting incident with a fan after a victory at Creighton.

“This is what UConn knew they were getting, this is how I’ve coached obviously my entire career — and I’m not bragging about that, I’m just surprised that people just discovered it if they’re college basketball experts,” Hurley said. “It’s one of those things where, they’re mistakes, there are things I wish I didn’t do, it’s part of what you get with me. I hope to not do it again.

“I’m going to attempt to take measures both internally, mentally and externally… I wouldn’t change one aspect of how I coach a game or how hard we fight. [But] I’d like to get on and off the court without incident.”

Hurley was offered the Lakers’ job last offseason before turning it down. The job eventually went to JJ Redick.