UConn head coach Dan Hurley is preparing for one of the biggest weekends of his season, but that did not stop him from showing off his Cincinnati Bengals fandom during a lively appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
With the Huskies set to face Tom Izzo and Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Friday night, Hurley still found time to talk football and defend his quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Dan Hurley Defends Joe Burrow After Viral Flag Football Clip
Before Hurley even got into his thoughts on Burrow’s viral flag football highlights, McAfee’s personality Tone Digz took the first swing, jokingly referring to the Bengals as the “Bungals.” Hurley laughed it off and used the moment to praise Burrow’s competitiveness, even in a casual setting that had fans holding their breath.
“I mean, that is why we love him,” Hurley said. “Obviously, you are gasping that the man does not get hurt there, but that is why you love him. That is why he got the ‘Bungals’ as you said to the Super Bowl and a hair away from winning the Super Bowl and I am confident this is our year.”
Hurley’s reaction mirrored the anxiety of Bengals fans who watched Burrow sprint, cut, and dive in a game that technically does not matter. Burrow’s injury history has made any unnecessary physical activity a point of concern, but Hurley emphasized that the quarterback’s edge is part of what makes him special.
“That’s why we love Joe Burrow but obviously you’re gasping watching him out there..
I’m confident that this is the year for the Bengals..
Steelers do a real good job in the playoffs @ToneDigz” 😂😂 ~ @dhurley15 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/ZWZxG9wm2m
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 25, 2026
Burrow finished the 2025 season with a PFSN QB Impact score of 80.1, ranking No. 10 overall, underscoring how central he is to the Bengals’ outlook. The team also finished with a PFSN Offense Impact score of 76.9, placing No. 12 in the league, a mark that reflects both Burrow’s influence and the unit’s ability to stay competitive despite injuries.
The conversation soon shifted to AFC North rivalries, and Hurley did not hesitate to fire back at Digz, a well-known Pittsburgh Steelers supporter. With a grin, Hurley delivered a jab that instantly resonated with Bengals fans who have long endured Pittsburgh’s dominance.
“We are so far ahead of the Steelers,” Hurley said. “We are so far ahead of where the Steelers currently are … you guys did a good job in the playoffs.”
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The line drew laughter from the panel and quickly circulated online, adding another layer to Hurley’s growing reputation as one of the most entertaining crossover personalities in sports.
Even with a Sweet 16 matchup looming, Hurley showed he is fully invested in the Burrow era and unafraid to needle a division rival. Whether the Bengals can match his confidence remains to be seen, but the coach made one thing clear. In his mind, the Bengals are built to contend.
