Coach Antics Steal the Show Ahead of NCAA Tournament Face-off

PHILADELPHIA — A coach discarded his suit jacket, sarcastically applauded a referee’s decision, and marched about ten feet onto the court, which led to a technical foul.

Some might see this as just typical behavior, even comparing the outburst to Chernobyl—a rather dramatic analogy.

Fans found themselves just as captivated by the sidelines antics as by the game itself at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday night.

UCLA’s Mick Cronin and UConn’s Dan Hurley are both known for their lively sideline behavior as they gear up for their second-round match in the NCAA Tournament. “Animated” is perhaps a gentle way to put it.

Expect plenty of shouting, some lobbying with officials, and coaches barking at their players.

And that’s even before the first TV timeout.

Fans took to social media, excitedly speculating about how many technical fouls the intensely competitive coaches might rack up.

Both enduring scrutiny for their heated exchanges with referees and players, they have sparked a fair amount of criticism.

When asked about the attention on his sideline demeanor, Cronin quipped, “What are you talking about?”—drawing laughter from the gathered reporters.

He labeled the media’s concerns as “ridiculous,” suggesting that people need to have a more relaxed perspective. “Come on, we’re not coaching Little League here, we’re in it to win!” he added.

Hurley, too, acknowledged that maintaining high standards, similar to those set by top coaches, is essential for achieving success. “Holding young adults to a high level every day helps in forming not just great teams but great individuals,” he commented.

In quieter moments, both coaches showed some self-awareness. Cronin even lightened the mood during a question about their similarities with a quick, “Hair?” which garnered more laughs.

Interestingly, both coaches may not have much up top, perhaps a reflection of their intense sideline personas.

Hurley faced ejection in a recent game after an intense confrontation with an official, resulting in a $25,000 fine. He referred to that incident as “incredibly frustrating” and likened it to a catastrophic event.

Cronin drew criticism for ejecting a player, believing he went too far with a foul, although he later apologized, admitting he hadn’t seen the play closely.

During some tough moments earlier in the season, Cronin received wisdom from former Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, who said, “You’ve already won by being where you are.”

Both coaching staffs share connections deeper than just the surface-level similarities. Cronin is friends with UConn’s associate head coach, Kimani Young, while UCLA’s assistant grew up near the Hurley brothers and joked about their childhood baseball days.

They both come from backgrounds with tough coaches, and their candid banter even included jokes about their competitive spirits pushing them to extremes after a loss.

UConn has seen success, claiming back-to-back national titles, while Cronin’s 2021 Final Four run is still a highlight amid his recent struggles in the tournament. The pressure is on for him to deliver against the Huskies.

The stakes are higher for Cronin; missing the NCAA Tournament and then losing in the second round consecutively isn’t the standard at a prestigious program like UCLA, which boasts a rich history.

“The standards are real,” Cronin noted. “I wanted this challenge, moving from my alma mater to UCLA, and I’ve dreamt of this opportunity.”

While changes in college sports have altered the playing field, Cronin believes in the fight for success. Luckily for the Bruins, they have a coach who embodies that determination.