“I realized I couldn’t coach this team as hard as I’ve coached some of my other teams,” UConn’s Dan Hurley admitted on Mad Dog Sports Radio this week. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from the fiery coach, whose trademark intensity has defined his career. But as the Huskies’ season continues to unravel, Hurley’s confession speaks volumes about the disconnect between his coaching style and a team struggling to live up to the legacy of back-to-back national championships.That disconnect was on full display on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. As UConn fell 89-75 to St. John’s, chants of “F—- Dan Hurley” echoed through the arena, which was captured by Dave, host of the Eye on the Storm podcast. The once-celebrated coach, who turned down the Lakers’ job to stay in Storrs, is now the target of fan frustration as the Huskies’ season teeters on the brink of collapse. “Fuck Dan Hurley” chants echoing through the MSG crowd #sjubb— Dave (@Davee_8) February 23, 2025 This wasn’t just another loss. It was UConn’s second defeat to Rick Pitino’s St. John’s this month, following a gritty 68-62 loss on February 7. Hurley has struggled to find the right balance with this year’s squad. “I started the year breathing fire, talking like a coach that believes his team can compete for a three-peat,” Hurley said on Mad Dog Sports Radio. “But this team’s confidence got rattled early in Maui, and I’ve had to build them up.”Finishing dead last at the Maui Invitational with losses to Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton really set the stage for a bumpy ride. Sure, they strung together an eight-game win streak, including some solid wins over Baylor and Gonzaga, which gave fans a little hope. But the inconsistency just won’t go away. Now, UConn’s sitting in fourth place in the Big East, which feels like a world away from the powerhouse vibes of the last two seasons.According to Hurley’s coaching style, which thrived with hardened players like Cam Spencer, Andre Jackson, and Donovan Clingan, it hasn’t resonated with this year’s roster. “When you have guys like that, they can take hard coaching,” Hurley explained. “This year, I’ve had to adjust. The scrutiny that comes with our recent success has been heavy for all of us.”And that roster impact was evident against St. John’s. The Huskies turned the ball over 18 times, leading to easy points for the Red Storm. Despite a strong offensive start, UConn crumbled under St. John’s defensive pressure. The Johnnies, one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country, stunned UConn by going 8-for-16 from beyond the arc in the first half. With three games left, St. John’s now holds a commanding lead in the Big East, while UConn’s season is barely keeping its balance.Dan Hurley under fire: fans sound off on his strugglesIt’s not just about losing; it’s how they’re losing. For many, Hurley’s shortcomings are glaring, and this tweet captures the belief that he’s earned this rough patch through his own missteps.This fan’s tweet is not holding back, “TAKE THAT SHIT DAN HURLEY”. Dan Hurley’s recent coaching has indeed left a lot of fans frustrated. With lackluster plays and questionable decisions, the disappointment is real.Another comment adds fuel to the fire,” Rick Pitino owns Dan Hurley. ,” pointing out Rick Pitino’s dominance over Hurley. Historically, Pitino’s teams have outplayed Hurley’s, so we understand where that jab is coming from. Because it’s not just about one bad game; it’s a pattern of struggles. Hurley’s gotta turn things around, or the heat’s only gonna get worse. This tweet might be similar, but it surely cuts deeper—“Rick Pitino is who Dan Hurley thinks he is”. Well, Pitino’s legacy speaks for itself. His proven track record, from championships to rebuilding programs, overshadows Hurley’s potential. The jab suggests that Hurley’s confidence might outpace his actual achievements, especially when compared to a coaching giant like Pitino.Some tweets were just straight-up brutal. “No one in the country deserves to lose this way more than Dan Hurley.” The vibe is that Hurley’s recent struggles—whether it’s shaky game management, weird lineups, or failure to make adjustments—are kind of deserved, especially with how high the expectations were. And binding this all, a fan commented, “Thank you, Dan Hurley, for turning the Lakers down. We are fine for the next decade with JJ Redick.” This fan’s tweet is a sarcastic jab at Hurley’s decision to turn down the Lakers’ coaching job. By thanking him, the fan implied that the Lakers dodged a bullet, especially with JJ Redick now in the mix. Fans see Redick as a fresh, forward-thinking hire, while Hurley’s recent struggles at UConn make his rejection of the Lakers look a relief. The post Dan Hurley Becomes a Laughing Stock for College Basketball Community After Things Go South in St. John’s Loss appeared first on EssentiallySports.