Dan Hurley: The Superstitions Behind UConn’s Championship Coach
“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” This quote, famously delivered by Michael Scott in “The Office,” perfectly encapsulates the human relationship with superstition. While many may dismiss them, the sports world is rife with rituals and beliefs, from baseball players avoiding the foul line to athletes refusing haircuts during winning streaks. For Dan Hurley, head coach of the UConn men’s basketball team, superstitions aren’t just a quirk – they’re a crucial part of his game-day routine.
The “Weirdo Room”: Hurley’s Sanctuary
Perhaps the most unusual of Hurley’s habits is his “Weirdo Room.” This isn’t your typical man cave. It’s a space at his home dedicated to meditation, meetings with assistant coaches, and a surprisingly eclectic collection of items. You’ll find his bible alongside Marvel and DC superhero figurines, motivational athletic posters, and even a referee statue for post-game venting. As his wife describes, the room defies categorization, capable of housing a priest or anyone in between. It’s a meticulously curated space, reflecting Hurley’s complex approach to preparation and mental fortitude.
The Eight M&M Ritual
Superstitions often manifest in seemingly arbitrary actions, and Hurley’s pre-game snack is a prime example. He consumes exactly eight M&Ms before each game, reducing the number to seven only if one is dropped. But the ritual doesn’t stop there. Hurley actively removes M&Ms of the opposing team’s color from the pack, ensuring he doesn’t inadvertently consume a sweet treat that might benefit his rivals. His son, Andrew, confirms this practice has been in place for years.
Lucky Bobby Pins and the Power of Sage
Hurley’s belief system extends to unexpected discoveries. Finding a bobby pin in an unlikely place is considered a sign of good luck and an impending victory. He also practices a form of spiritual cleansing, burning sage before the season begins and after each loss, a practice rooted in the belief of warding off negative energy.
The Championship Suit
During UConn’s recent postseason run, Hurley sported the same navy two-piece suit for every game. The suit, showing significant wear and tear, became a symbol of the team’s success. Hurley even expressed concern about its structural integrity, noting holes in the lining. This practice echoes a common phenomenon in sports, where athletes and coaches cling to items or routines that coincide with winning streaks.
The Dragon Underwear and Portable Laundry
Adding another layer to his sartorial superstitions, Hurley and his wife travel with a portable washing machine to ensure his lucky clothes are always clean. His preferred underwear features dragons, with other animal motifs (sharks, lions) rotated in based on perceived winning potential. While some might believe washing removes luck, Hurley prioritizes hygiene while maintaining his winning edge.
Holy Beads and a Police Escort
Ahead of the Final Four game against Illinois, a frantic search for holy beads from Jerusalem nearly derailed Hurley’s routine. His wife, Andrea, had to leave the arena, retrieve the beads in the rain, and return with a police escort, ensuring the ritual was fulfilled. As Andrea jokingly claimed, the win was all her doing!
Uniform Consistency and Nike’s Unused Jerseys
Hurley’s superstitions even extend to team uniforms. He prefers consistency, wanting his team to wear the same combination for every game, only changing it after a loss. He’s so committed to this belief that he’s reportedly rejected several jersey options sent by Nike, fearing a change in attire would jinx their performance.
A Deeper Dive with Graham Bensinger
For a comprehensive look into Hurley’s world, check out his interview with Graham Bensinger. The interview features insights from Hurley himself, his wife, players, and assistant coaches, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a championship-winning coach.
Beyond these well-known rituals, Hurley also has other quirks, including eating seven cherries on game day, making four half-court shots before practice, and previously avoiding food the day before, during, and after games. These seemingly small actions, combined with his coaching prowess, have propelled UConn to championship glory.
