The University at Buffalo has hired Bobby Hurley to take over as its men's basketball coach.Hurley, who was introduced at a news conference Tuesday, completed his first season as an associate coach at Rhode Island this month, working under his brother, Dan Hurley. He spent the previous two seasons as an assistant at Wagner, also with Dan serving as head coach.
At Buffalo, he takes over for Reggie Witherspoon, who was fired two weeks ago after 14 seasons on the job. Witherspoon went 4-20 this past season.
Hurley, a superstar high school guard while playing for his father, Bob, Sr., in New Jersey in the 1980s, is best known for his playing days at Duke, where he established himself as one of the nation's top all-time point guards. He led the Blue Devils to three final four berths, including 1992, when he was named most outstanding player.
"Coach Hurley adds an exciting dynamic to our athletic program," said UB Athletics Director Danny White. "He is one of the most accomplished players in college basketball history with a legacy that includes three Final Four appearances and winning two national championships. I'm confident, after our discussions, that he is the right leader to take our program to the next level."
Hurley becomes the 12th head coach of the university's men's basketball team. He played for five years in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings and Vancouver Grizzlies.
"I am incredibly happy for Bobby and for the Buffalo Basketball program. What a great marriage it will be for Bobby to work with Danny White. The two will form an incredible team that will take Buffalo Basketball to another level of success. Bobby Hurley is as good of a competitor and the equal of any guard to play in the history of college basketball," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Hurley and his wife, Leslie, have two daughters, Cameron and Sydney, and a son, Bobby.