UConn’s Dan Hurley named one of SI’s 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports

UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley has seen a lot of accolades over the past two seasons. Two-time national champion, National Coach of the Year, Ruler of the Jungle… the list goes on.

But influential? Now that’s a label that transcends sports.

Hurley was named one of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports by Sports Illustrated in the publication’s October ‘Power Issue.’

“In a family of coaches, he had long been known as the ‘third Hurley,’ behind father Bob and brother Bobby. But that was before Dan led UConn to back-to-back national championships while winning all 12 NCAA tournament games by double digits,” SI’s Kevin Sweeney wrote.

The magazine also said Hurley was set up to “build a dynasty in Storrs and become the face of men’s college basketball,” which may already be the case. The Huskies will look to become the first men’s program since UCLA won seven in a row from 1967-73.

Hurley was joined by LeBron James, Simone Biles, Dawn Staley, Pep Guardiola and a host of athletes, coaches, owners and administrators on the list.

UConn will begin its quest for a three-peat on Nov. 6, when it takes on Sacred Heart.