UConn menโs basketball coach Dan Hurley revealed that he seriously considered walking away from the program after the 2024-25 season, worn down by the demands of chasing a third straight national title.
In his book Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes To Be Great, Hurley admitted, โI thought about leaving. Taking a year off. Stepping down as UConnโs head coach.โ He wrote that he felt โcompletely burnt out,โ physically and mentally drained to the point where he didnโt know how he was managing to keep going. Reflecting on the season, Hurley said he doubted his leadership, questioned his roster decisions, and regretted losing control of his emotions at times.
According to The Athleticโs Andrew Marchand, Hurley even held early discussions with Fox Sports about possibly moving into a television role. He had also spoken with former Villanova coach Jay Wright, who transitioned into broadcasting and described it as a far less stressful lifestyle.
Still, Hurley ultimately chose to remain at UConn for an eighth season, acknowledging both the strain and the privilege of the job. โI love my players, our fans, and our program. This is the best job in the country with the best program of the past 25 years,โ he wrote, while also admitting the toll coaching takes on his health and family.
Under Hurley, the Huskies reclaimed their place as one of college basketballโs premier programs. They captured the 2024 Big East titles and became the first team since Florida in 2007 to win back-to-back national championships, before falling to Florida in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Hurley, now 52, owns a 165-59 record at UConn and was honored as both Naismith and Big East Coach of the Year in 2024.
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