UConn Coach Dan Hurley Carries on Family Basketball Legacy

Hurley's father Bobby Hurley Sr. was a legendary high school coach, while his brother Bobby Hurley Jr. starred at Duke.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:55am

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Dan Hurley, the head coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, is looking to lead the Huskies to their third national championship title in the last four seasons. Hurley's success has put a spotlight on his family's deep roots in the sport, as he is the son of legendary New Jersey high school basketball coach Bobby Hurley Sr. and the brother of former Duke star Bobby Hurley Jr.

Why it matters

The Hurley family's basketball pedigree has played a significant role in shaping Dan Hurley's coaching style and approach. As a 'coach's kid,' Hurley has brought an intense, personal connection to the game that has helped drive UConn's resurgence as one of the top college basketball programs in the country.

The details

Dan Hurley is the son of Bobby Hurley Sr., who spent nearly four decades as the head coach at St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, winning over 1,000 games and 28 state championships. Hurley's brother, Bobby Hurley Jr., was an All-American guard at Duke, helping the Blue Devils win two national titles in 1991 and 1992. Dan Hurley has two sons, Danny and Andrew, who have also been involved in basketball, with Andrew currently serving as a graduate assistant on the UConn coaching staff.

  • Dan Hurley is in his sixth season as the head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.
  • UConn is making its third Final Four appearance in the last four seasons under Hurley's leadership.
  • Bobby Hurley Sr. retired from coaching after the 2016-17 season when St. Anthony's High School was forced to shut down due to declining enrollment and finances.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, who is looking to lead the Huskies to their third national championship title in the last four seasons.

Bobby Hurley Sr.

Dan Hurley's father, who was a legendary high school basketball coach at St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, winning over 1,000 games and 28 state championships during his nearly four-decade career.

Bobby Hurley Jr.

Dan Hurley's brother, who was an All-American guard at Duke University, helping the Blue Devils win two national championships in 1991 and 1992.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't like me, you'd hate my dad. I bet Mick would say the same thing. We're coach's kids. For me, growing up in Jersey, North Jersey, Jersey City, I coach the way my dad would be coaching this college. Whether you would like that or not.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“In the times I've been around it, this is the singularly most incredible moment (I've seen) following college basketball. I don't think I've ever been around the game where we were on the right end of a last-second shot.”

— Bobby Hurley Sr., Dan Hurley's Father

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday, April 6, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

The Hurley family's deep roots in basketball have played a significant role in shaping Dan Hurley's coaching style and approach, which has helped drive UConn's resurgence as one of the top college basketball programs in the country. The Huskies' success under Hurley has not only established him as one of the top coaches in the country but has also cemented the family's legacy in the sport.