UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley considered walking away from his job earlier this year because of the intense pressures, according to an upcoming book.
Hurley, 52, shared his feelings in “Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes To Be Great,” a book he co-wrote with author Ian O’Connor, who also writes for The Athletic.
On Wednesday, the outlet published excerpts from the book, which is due for release at the end of September.
“I knew my mind, and I knew my body, and I could feel that I was completely cooked,” Hurley wrote in the book about the 2024-25 season, during which the Huskies attempted to win three consecutive national titles.
“Just burnt. I didn’t even know how I was standing. I stared at the office walls, muttering, conducting a brutal review of our season. I didn’t build a strong enough roster. I wasn’t a good leader. … I lost control, emotionally, at various points. I came in here some days sad and defeated, when I needed to be positive and inspiring.”
Hurley wrote that he thought of taking at least a year off after the Huskies finished 24-11 (14-6 Big East) and lost to Florida, a No. 1 seed, 77-75 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“I thought about leaving,” Hurley wrote. “Taking a gap year. Resigning as head coach of the UConn Huskies.”
“I even talked to a TV executive about doing some commentary,” Hurley continued.
Instead, he decided to return despite the difficulties of the job.
“Listen, I cherish my job, my players, our school, our fans, and our boosters,” Hurley wrote. “I’ve got the very best job in the country with the very best program in college basketball over the last quarter century. All of that is hand-on-the-Bible true. But what’s also true is the massive toll that coaching takes on you and your family. The whole thing is exhausting.”
