UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley returned to the White House on Tuesday to celebrate his team’s second consecutive national championship. The Huskies made history in April by becoming the first team since Florida in 2006-07 to win back-to-back NCAA titles, solidifying UConn’s position as a powerhouse in college basketball. In both championship runs, UConn dominated its competition, with its smallest margin of victory being 13 points.
Despite the team’s dominance on the court, Hurley found himself battling a bit of stage fright when it came to addressing a crowd that included President Joe Biden. As the coach took the podium, his nerves got the best of him, leading to a candid—and slightly salty—moment.
“I thought this would be easier in year two,” Hurley admitted. “‘Oh man, I’ve been to the White House before.’ This is scary as s—,” Hurley quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Hurley didn’t stop there. While discussing his team’s journey to a repeat title and their ability to stay laser-focused throughout the season, he again let a colorful expression slip. Describing his players’ relentless mindset, Hurley said they were “weird as s—” in their ability to dominate opponents and maintain their edge.
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The crowd, including President Biden, laughed once more, but Hurley quickly realized his word choice wasn’t exactly presidential. Embarrassed but good-natured, the coach turned to Biden and offered a lighthearted apology for his language, showcasing the candor that has become a hallmark of his personality.
Hurley’s off-the-cuff comments are part of what endears him to UConn fans and players alike. The proud Jersey City, N.J., native has always worn his emotions on his sleeve, and his unfiltered, genuine style is one of the reasons he’s been so successful in rebuilding UConn into a college basketball juggernaut.
Hurley’s appearance at the White House comes on the heels of a significant offseason, during which he signed a new contract after reportedly turning down interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. His decision to stay at UConn has only further solidified his commitment to the program, and with another top-10 roster assembled for the upcoming season, the Huskies are once again poised to compete at the highest level.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see UConn make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, potentially returning to the Final Four in San Antonio next April. If Hurley and the Huskies can pull off a three-peat—a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since UCLA’s dynasty from 1967-73—he might feel more relaxed addressing the White House crowd in 2025.
For now, though, Hurley’s candidness and passion remain key parts of his coaching persona, and while he may have dropped some salty language, his genuine love for the game and his players shines through every time he steps into the spotlight.
