UConn Brings On Villanova’s Mike Nardi as New Assistant Coach

UConn has officially hired former Villanova standout and longtime assistant coach Mike Nardi as the newest addition to Dan Hurley’s coaching staff, the school announced Tuesday.

Nardi, who played under Jay Wright from 2003 to 2007 and started 122 games for the Wildcats, has spent the past decade as part of Villanova’s coaching staff. He began as director of student-athlete development in 2015 and gradually rose through the ranks, serving as video coordinator and director of basketball operations before becoming a full-time assistant coach in 2018. He remained on staff under Kyle Neptune following Wright’s retirement and recently served as interim head coach during the College Basketball Crown.

“Mike brings championship experience and a high-level basketball mind to our program,” Hurley said. “His time at Villanova, both on the court and on the sidelines, has shaped him into a sharp, battle-tested coach. We’re excited to welcome him to the UConn family.”

A New Jersey native, Nardi played high school basketball at St. Patrick while Hurley coached at rival St. Benedict’s. He was part of Villanova’s national championship teams in 2016 and 2018 and brings a wealth of experience from those title runs.

The timing of the hire aligns with UConn’s championship aspirations for the upcoming season. The program received a major boost with the recent announcement that star forward Alex Karaban will return to Storrs instead of entering the NBA Draft. Nardi’s addition further strengthens a Huskies staff looking to maintain its place among college basketball’s elite.