Dan Hurley makes brash claim while berating ref: 'I'm the best coach in the f***ing sport'

Connecticut coach Dan Hurley was filled with rage Tuesday evening during a contest against Butler. As he pleaded his case after a call that didn’t go the Huskies way, he appeared to let some curious words fly.

Hurley walked angrily toward an official and tried to get in his face, but didn’t like it when the referee turned around to avoid the confrontation. That’s when the coach appeared to say “Don’t turn your back on me. I’m the best coach in the f***ing sport.” You can view below and judge for yourself.

Dan Hurley: “Don’t turn your back on me. I’m the best coach in the f***ing sport.” pic.twitter.com/XLNyJPYyYd

— Eli Hershkovich (@EliHershkovich) January 22, 2025

It’s unclear exactly what transpired before that to set Hurley off. UConn had a 10-point lead at the time and regardless, it likely wasn’t worth getting that upset over and he’s lucky he didn’t receive a technical for it.

Hurley and UConn are coming off of back-to-back national titles, but had just a 13-5 (5-2 Big East) record entering the contest against Butler. The Huskies would ultimately be taken down to the wire Tuesday evening, as the contest went into overtime.

UConn escaped with an 80-78 victory as Jahmyl Telfort and Finley Bizjak combined for 42 points.

Hurley is in his seventh season as the coach of the Huskies, having led them to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past four years. He also won the Big East Tournament last season for the first time.

Tuesday night’s win moved UConn into third place in the conference standings, but there’s still plenty of basketball left for them to catch up.

Dan Hurley suggests he would be better at coaching football than basketball

Despite winning back-to-back national championships in college basketball, UConn head coach Dan Hurley believes he’s better suited to be a football coach. During an appearance on the New York Yankees broadcast on Sunday, Hurley explained his stunning belief.

“Yeah, I think the leadership piece and the psychology, the motivation, the relationship building, just all that stuff, leading men through the ups and downs of these seasons,” Hurley said. “I think I’d be a better football coach than basketball, actually. I just think my intensity, it fits football guys.”

Hurley certainly brings a physical intensity to the hardwood that could easily translate to the gridiron. From getting after referees to squabbling with opposing fans, Hurley isn’t afraid of conflict.