UConn Coach Dan Hurley Reveals Superstitions Ahead of March Madness

STORRS, Conn. — As March Madness approaches, University of Connecticut basketball coach Dan Hurley prepares for a critical moment in his career. Hurley sat down with CBS‘s “60 Minutes” to discuss his unique superstitions, intense sideline persona, and the legacy of his family name ahead of a potential third consecutive NCAA championship. The feature, titled “A Method to his Madness,” is set to air on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

The segment chronicles the Huskies’ pursuit of a historic three-peat, spotlighting Hurley’s intense preparation and his candid reflections on the challenges of coaching a shifting roster. “I’m complex,” Hurley admitted during the interview with correspondent Jon Wertheim. “If I knew the camera was on me, there’s no way I would have said it. But I’m embarrassed,” he added, referencing an earlier controversial remark about being the best coach in the sport.

Hurley’s wife, Andrea, also shared insights into their life together, revealing that the couple turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers last summer to remain at UConn. “That decision was motivated by a desire to Chase history with a potential three-peat at stake,” she said. “It’s an intense focus for us both on and off the court.”

UConn’s quest for a third straight title is reminiscent of John Wooden’s legendary run with UCLA. The team enters the postseason with a 21-9 record, buoyed by the pressure and excitement of competing during March Madness.

“The game is a zero-sum game,” Hurley explained. “The one that wins is gonna have temporary relief. The one that loses is going into a hell hole of suffering.” His ritualistic preparation includes burning sage and sprinkling holy water to ward off bad luck, along with placing garlic bulbs as offerings to the basketball gods.

Despite being a generationally-accomplished coach, Hurley acknowledges that this season has been a rollercoaster ride. “At times it’s been very frustrating,” he noted. Memories of a tough start at the Maui Invitational, where UConn lost three consecutive games, still linger. “After that, I was reminded by Coach Geno Auriemma that if championships are the only measure of success, I should consider stepping away. It took time, but that advice has stuck with me,” Hurley said.

After the rocky start, UConn bounced back, winning eight games straight. Yet, inconsistencies have remained apparent. “It reminds me of our earlier championship runs. Back then, no opponent came within 13 points of us in the tournament,” Hurley remarked.

Hurley’s coaching philosophy diverges from many contemporary methods, preferring European-style play that emphasizes movement and team passes. “We’re taking ideas from places outside the NBA, looking at how teams play in Europe,” he said. When asked about future challenges, Hurley revealed that over half of his roster is considering moves to other programs, reflecting the current landscape of college basketball.

<p“This era is volatile,” he noted. “It’s a year-to-year proposition. The game has completely shifted regarding player retention.”

As they gear up for March Madness, Hurley remains steadfast in his hopes for the season. “I see a path to winning three in a row,” he stated. However, if they fail to capture the title after previously achieving it twice, he admits it will not feel like a successful season. “Failing to do so would be disappointing,” he acknowledged. “It would feel like a failure, even if we leave everything on the court.”

The upcoming segment on CBS promises to showcase not only the highs and lows of coaching, but also the deep bond Hurley shares with his family and the UConn community. “It’s not just about that title—it’s about the journey,” he concluded.