‘We’re not coaching Little League’: Mick Cronin, Dan Hurley await another sideline dance
UCLA head coach Mick Cronin setting up the offense during an NCAA basketball game against Washington, Saturday February 7th, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. PHILADELPHIA — It’s called the City of Brotherly Love. At Xfinity Mobile Arena, just less than seven miles from the Liberty Bell, the moniker rings true for two coaches.
UCLA’s Mick Cronin and UConn’s Dan Hurley skate sidelines in a spectrum of expressions. They both sport suits — a dying tradition in college basketball — below their bald heads during games. They both have logged dozens of technical fouls, berated officials and drummed up millions of social media impressions from blunt press-conference deliveries.
Animated, the word Huskies’ senior guard Malachi Smith used to describe the two on Friday after both teams won their NCAA tournament openers, might be an understatement. Cronin and Hurley aren’t blood related. But as coaches, they could pass for brothers.
UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Their methods, though mired in public critique, work internally.
Both drive player-focused programs — having their teams bought in ahead of Sunday’s Round of 32 clash provides all the needed credibility. “When [Cronin’s] fired up, we’re fired up,” Bruins’ senior guard Donovan Dent told The Sporting Tribune on Saturday. “When he [has] good energy, we’re a whole different team.
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