I'm for any coach being who they are. It's not about whether opposing fans like you or not. It's about how you need to operate to get results. If your demeanor is fiery, all gas no brakes, be that way. If you are calm, relaxed, etc...be that way. Whatever functions for you to get your team to play at a high level and succeed, be genuine.
One interesting thing I remember during the '23 season is that Hurley's team told him to cut that rage at refs crap out and he listened. The players told him he was becoming a distraction and losing focus. I actually don't see him get too upset during NCAA Tournament games--he's usually a psycho early in season and as it progresses, he'll focus on task at hand.
As for what people say they like etc...it's up to what you individually like. I've always worked for guys like Pope who are calm and don't get into any discussion with the officials but we piss them off because don't have our players dap them up before games either. It's hilarious how they all want you to kiss their ass--we are just there to play. They make calls, our players/staff don't talk to them at all about calls and just play. Then you get a few against you because they want you to be BS'ing with them and it's pathetic. My boss and I always say your job is to officiate, not be noticed. Our job is to coach our team, and our players job is to play the opponent. Too much recognition and BS is coveted in sports.
Earlier in the game, the UConn medical staff got a Tech. LOL So the behavior of the program is all gas, no brakes and that sustains for a short window. You just eventually wear down-which is fine and approach is great if you are just planning on short term stint. It could be even shorter if he starts losing his staff to HC jobs. Hard to find guys who will work for someone so maniacally intense. His practices are insane compared to most teams-yelling at staff members, support staff, and brutally honest with players (which is the best part of his personality IMO). It's really not for everyone unlike the crap Cal spews.
Only way Hurley goes NBA is if he wants to coach at another University and that's his way of leaving UConn. I think his wife is very smart and perfect partner in she knows him and how he is and what fits him best. That is what most should seek in a marriage. Some mocked him for being "whipped" when really that smart end of the partnership chose comfort/fit over chasing higher profile/attention. Hurley could never be successful in the NBA. He's not wired for it and players couldn't handle him nor could he handle their bull**** me first nonsense. He would burn out by January in an NBA job. He's a college coach.
I respect him, don't care for the antics but he does coach his team hard and he and his staff recruit guys who can take their approach which isn't for everyone. What they've done the past 2 yrs is about as impressive as anything I've seen in approaching 5 decades of watching the sport. I don't think they'll get a 3rd title but I don't think they suck either. Just think the field is more even and eventually you can't keep winning in the format when you lose the talent he has over the last 2 yrs. That said...I do think they are an Elite 8 type of team and whomever beats them will have to play well to do so which is all you want from any coach/program. It's why we were worn down watching Cal-you didn't have to play that well, just needed to hang around and let Cal's teams self destruct. So think we'd see people embrace the coaching/toughness if he took the job (he was never taking this job though) and it's why so many of us are enjoying Mark Pope and Staff's approach and results.
