Jim Boeheim Names the Best Head Coach in College Basketball Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 11:00 AM ET

With the first and second rounds of the men's NCAA Tournament wrapped up, the anticipation for the Sweet 16, set to begin on Thursday, remains high.

However, in the eyes of former legendary Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim, who is currently working with ESPN and the ACC Network, the best head coach in all of college basketball isn't even remaining in the tournament.

During an interview with Adam Schein on "Schein On Sports,” Boeheim didn't hesitate to say that he believes UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley, who lost a heartbreaking 79-77 thriller against No. 1 seed Florida in the Round of 32, is the best coach in college basketball.

"He's the best coach in college basketball right now," Boeheim said. "There's no question about it."

Boeheim absolutely nailed it. Exactly what I've been saying about Dan Hurley. And this is from a Hall of Famer.

Boeheim on @dhurley15 : ""He's the best coach in college basketball right now. There's no question about it."

BINGO
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) March 24, 2025

Boeheim's opinion carries significant weight given his incredible legacy. After spending 47 years as the head basketball coach for one of the most storied programs in college basketball, he led the Syracuse Orange to a national title in 2003 with the legendary Carmelo Anthony as a freshman.

Boeheim also amassed 35 NCAA Tournament appearances and five Final Four berths. Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, Boeheim’s track record speaks for itself. It seems Hurley is well on his way to earning similar recognition.

Before being eliminated over the weekend, Hurley guided UConn to back-to-back national championships and nearly pulled off an incredible upset against Florida, with his No. 8 seed Huskies squad falling just short.

Hurley often faces backlash for his fiery demeanor and emotional comments toward officials, but his brilliance on the sidelines cannot be ignored. He has more than earned his place among the elite coaches in college basketball.

Adam Schein echoed Boeheim's sentiment:

"Dan Hurley once again proved he’s the best," Schein posted. "Even in defeat. The loss to juggernaut Florida snapped a legendary 13-game NCAA tournament winning streak. UConn outplayed Florida because of Hurley’s genius. You don’t like his antics? Please. He’s the ultimate winner. That’s how he’s wired."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: