Geno Auriemma reflects on close calls to leave UConn for men's jobs
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 2:22 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026

Geno Auriemma, head coach of UConn women's basketball, revealed he nearly left the program for men's coaching roles on three occasions. In a recent interview on Barstool Sports, Auriemma mentioned specific opportunities that arose during his career, including interest in the NBA. Despite his success, which includes becoming the sport's winningest coach, he chose to remain with the Huskies, citing a deep connection to the community and family commitments. Auriemma is entering his 42nd season with UConn, which he has transformed from a struggling program to a powerhouse with 1,288 career victories.
- •Auriemma has coached UConn for 42 seasons.
- •He is the winningest coach in college basketball history with 1,288 wins.
- •He considered leaving for opportunities in men's basketball and the NBA.
- •His loyalty is rooted in his connection to the community.
- 2:22 AMYahoo Sports — Geno Auriemma reveals he was ‘this close' to leaving UConn for men's coaching jobs
"Geno Auriemma has spent four decades coaching UConn, becoming the sport's winningest coach.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAM•Sep 26, 2026, 1:19 AMJon Rothstein ranks UConn-Duke the best nonconference game of the 2026-27 season- NCAAM•Sep 25, 2026, 9:29 PMAnd Tre White is indeed returning to Kansas for a 5th …
NCAAM•Sep 25, 2026, 9:29 PMPer source, Heat has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with …
NCAAM•Sep 25, 2026, 8:03 PMThe Biggest Question for LSU Men’s Basketball: Who Is on the Team?
NCAAM•Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PMMen's basketball 2027 commit fits for Syracuse, UConn, Purdue, Gonzaga
NCAAM•Sep 25, 2026, 12:22 PMFour-star Illinois forward Cole Kelly visiting Ohio State men's hoops
