Duke Legend Bobby Hurley Reportedly Hired as Buffalo Head Coach

The University at Buffalo has hired former Duke star Bobby Hurley as its new basketball head coach, according to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com.

Hurley will replace Reggie Witherspoon, who went 198-228 in 14 years with the Bulls.

Hurley led Duke to two national titles in 1991 and 1992, being named the Most Outstanding Player in the Final Four in 1992. He averaged 11.3 points and 7.4 assists in the 1990-1991 season, and 13.2 points and 7.6 assists in 1991-1992. 

Following his college career, he went on to play in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings and the then-Vancouver Grizzlies. During his first season, he was injured in a car accident, which may have been a reason for his rather pedestrian pro career. 

The 41-year-old began coaching as an assistant under his brother, Dan, in April 2010 at Wagner. He moved on to Rhode Island when Dan accepted a position there in 2012.

Buffalo hopes this move gives the basketball program a jolt. Witherspoon led the Bulls to 18 wins or more in each year from 2008-09 to 2011-12, but a 14-20 campaign this season (7-9 MAC) was a disappointment.

Rhode Island didn't fare well under the Hurleys this season (8-21, 3-13 A-10). The Bulls are hoping they can fare better under Bobby Hurley in the 2013-14 campaign.

Buffalo ranked 190th in the nation in points per game this season, as well as 182nd in assist-to-turnover ratio. The Bulls also allowed 67.7 points per game, ranked 188th in the country, via TeamRankings.com.

Needless to say, Hurley has a lot of work to do. We shall see if his ability as a player will translate as a coach for Buffalo in his first stint as the head man.