Mick Cronin and Dan Hurley, Coaching Legends' Sons, Face Off in NCAA Tournament

The two fiery coaches bring their intense sideline styles to a high-stakes matchup in the Round of 32.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:08am

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UCLA's Mick Cronin and UConn's Dan Hurley, both sons of legendary high school coaches, have parallel journeys to the pinnacle of college basketball. Known for their animated coaching styles and willingness to confront officials, the two will meet in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, continuing a rivalry that dates back to 2016. Despite the public critique of their methods, both coaches have earned the trust of their players through their player-focused programs.

Why it matters

Cronin and Hurley's coaching styles, shaped by their upbringings as coaches' sons, have drawn both praise and criticism. But their ability to connect with their players and drive them to success has made them two of the most prominent figures in college basketball. This matchup between the two fiery coaches will showcase their intense sideline presence and the high-stakes nature of the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Cronin and Hurley have faced off three times previously, with Hurley leading Rhode Island against Cronin's Cincinnati team in 2016 before Hurley took the UConn job in 2018. Both coaches are known for their animated behavior on the sidelines, including technical fouls, berating officials, and generating viral moments on social media. However, their players have bought into their intense, player-focused approaches, with UCLA's Donovan Dent saying Cronin's energy rubs off on the team, and UConn's Malachi Smith describing Hurley's coaching style as sometimes needing "to be on your ass a little bit."

  • Cronin and Hurley's teams won their NCAA Tournament openers on Friday, setting up their Round of 32 matchup on Sunday.
  • Cronin and Hurley have coached against each other three times previously, with their first meeting coming in 2016 when Hurley was at Rhode Island and Cronin was at Cincinnati.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins, known for his intense sideline presence and player-focused approach. Cronin is the son of legendary high school coach Hep Cronin.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, also known for his fiery coaching style and willingness to confront officials. Hurley is the son of Hall of Fame high school coach Bob Hurley Sr.

Donovan Dent

A senior guard for the UCLA Bruins, who has praised Cronin's energy and its impact on the team.

Malachi Smith

A senior guard for the UConn Huskies, who has described Hurley's coaching style as sometimes needing "to be on your ass a little bit."

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What they’re saying

“When [Cronin's] fired up, we're fired up. When he [has] good energy, we're a whole different team. He's been on that lately, and that's why I feel like we've been thriving.”

— Donovan Dent, UCLA Bruins senior guard

“Sometimes we need someone to be on your ass a little bit. Excuse my language, but sometimes we need that.”

— Malachi Smith, UConn Huskies senior guard

What’s next

The winner of the Cronin-Hurley matchup will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, continuing their quest for a national championship.

The takeaway

Cronin and Hurley's intense coaching styles, shaped by their upbringings as coaches' sons, have made them two of the most prominent figures in college basketball. Their high-stakes clash in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 will showcase the passion and energy they bring to the sidelines, as they aim to lead their teams to victory and cement their own legacies in the sport.